\J3
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL! ENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN.CpUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
, 3 1833 01740 4697
GENEALOGY
975.5
V82385 1916
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2010 with funding from
Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center
http://www.archive.org/details/virginiamagazine1916bruc
THE
VIRGINIA MAGAZINE
OF
HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY
Published Quarterly by
THE VIRGINIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY,
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1916.
VOU. XXIV.
Richmond, Va.
HOUSE OF THE SOCIETY,
No. 707 East Franklin St.
7 9 8 7 49 9 *"
t
x
A I
1 . . HOOia aVlA YHOT8IH
.<i^
0>JIV HHi
/ia:9
.JIOV
.V 'A
••• fpA-cH^v
%■■■
• ■■*
I
X ^21^41
. k :'.' i ...
'• )'
PUBLICATION COMMITTEE.
ARCHER ANDERSON, C. V. MEREDITH, E. V. VALENTINE. .
Editor of the Magazine. WILLIAM G. STANARD.
MITCHELL & HOTCHKISS, PRINTERS, -V RICHMOND, VA. "'■
''.' ^,
>.
/ .'%
l^ "! >
.l^i
% ""■■
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Baylor, John, Will (1772) 357
Book Reviews 104, 223 334 446
Byrd, William (1st), Letters of 225, 350
Council and General Court Minutes, 1622-1629 56, 142, 23S, 337
Council Papers 1698-1702 70, 151, 204,' 395
Genealogy: Blackwell 99 204 312
Fleming 94, 2O6, 327, 440
Gorsuch and Lovelace 81, 214, 317, 425
Harrison (Northern Va.) 97, 2II
Payne 221 315
Taylor (Southampton) 102, 213, 314
Todd _'_425
Yeardley 444
Illustrations: Ivlap of Virginia, 1702. By F. L. Michel. Frontispiece.
Walkern Church, Hertfordshire 80a
Gorsuch Arms .- gl
Tomb of Daniel and Alice Gorsuch 86a
Portraifof Mrs. Mary (Boiling) Fleming 94a
Wm. & Mary College 1702. By F. L. Michel 126a
Indians of Virginia, 1702. By F. L. Michel 130a
Fac-Simile of Signatures to Treaty of Fort Pitt 1778 168a
Church & houses in Williamsburg, 1702. By F. L.
Michel 274a
Dr. Graffenried's Map of Potomac River 302a
Portrait of Judge William Fleming 326a
Toddsbury , Gloucester Co 424a
King William County Records, Notes from 388
Michel, F. L., Journey to Virginia 1701-1702, (Translated by Dr. W J
Hinke.) 1_ 113^ 275
Notes and Querries 193, 305, 417
Pittsylvania County Tithables, 1767. Contributed by Mrs. N. E
Clement 180, 271
Virginia Frontier in History. By David I. Bushnell, Jr 44, 168
Virginia Gazette, 1752 and 1755, Extracts from .404
Virginia Gleanings in England. By Lathrop Withington and
LeoCullcnton 66, 158, 261, 379
Virginia in 1678 _ _ 77
Virginia in 1678-79 _163, 250, 361
Virginia Historical Society, List of Officers and Members, January Magazine.
Virginia Historical Society, Proceedings of Annual Meeting, April Magazine.
William & Mary Collegers. Frewen, Chancery Suit, 1702... ..374
f>fc
£SCi
8£oe
vr*
MM
tTC
Annum
I'- M
single nSS^^.S
^-®^
-r.<^.
:^^>.-.A;;-%^
-.,i^u..
OF
HISTORY ANDpIOciRAPHY.
iSi' i---^' ■4^-"''- v^:.''--'V-.»^i _'
■^^)i^
: PUBUSHED QUARTERLY BY THE 1^1 f-^
IIViRGINIAiHISTbRICAl^
yc/:-'
ErtrtJ •< At Peslticf i IkWMd, >i..'u i5«e«i<lw Miitir^
#W--
-MITCHELL:&;>10TCHKISsf>RiNTERS^
\. t :^ 7 ••"•'<' "^^rth El>hth S(re«( ' -
''"■^"'"^ ^- ^^£is^^<>'^
i^^^iMi- --Msr^
>''^?^x..::v .:'';5i^f^
^■-^♦•-^; --^'it'
ct. '^' ~^1 -rr- ?i:^'^)
PUBLIC ATION COMMITTEE.
:'^r-
^^..
^ ARCHEtt ANDERSON.~a^CHASr V: MEREDITH,^^
E, V. VALENTINE.iS^^^^.^^' .- \:l
^§^m^mm>
" ''"" "feck ' "" ■=-■--"
EDITOR X)F THE MAG AZINE,
K WILLIAM G. STANARD.
:i '!: 4 -r'^ ^ >?:;rt^
*-^ 'i»^-
CONTENTS.
' '-■'■'■^.'T^
'ir|'. The Journey of Francis Louis MicHelj.-^^^rV^r - ^2/? Tlie^A^LTgima Frontier in History ' / - "
-cr
: 3. Minutes of the:Council and General Coiirt • >- •^^iVirginia^'Gleamngs in England ];5S^ Council^^pS^, 1698-1701i^;^fc;; ;- .^-^ . -; ;-_^'6i?^Virginiainvi678^5^g^^5i5;^^^^^^^ ; *
.:-^7r? -Geneaiogy^^%* -^i^'l^i^-^U'-^^
and Lovelace, Fleming, Harrison (N i.j. . Blackwell and Taylor (Southampton).
66 il
70-#
^77^
Gorsuch and Lovelace, Fleming, Harrisdri (Northern Virginiay,t^g»\
*^
S.:I Book Reviews v:-
-l^^-Sf
-^^■>1
MICHEL'S MAP
(Reduced)
^
and i ■'■.•: ■■}'■ t!\ i'h'.--(' l.-b.VKi;; ■
THE "'■:.:■
Virginia Magazine
■ ' ' ""' OP ' ' ''\[
HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY.
Vol. XXIV. January, 1916. No. 1
Report of the Journey of Francis Louis Michel from
Berne, Switzerland, to Virginia, October 2,
1701-December 1, 1702.(1)
Translated and edited by Prof. Wm. J. Hinke, Ph. D,
[The attention of the translator (Prof. Hinke) was first drawn to the reports and letters of Michel by Mr. Albert Cook Myers, the well known Quaker historian of Pennsylvania. In his researches, connected with the editing of the "Complete Works of Wm. Penn," Mr. Myers had come across these valuable documents, which had been printed in part in 1898 in a histori- cal yearbook, published in Berne, Switzerland. It is entitled, "Neues Bemer Taschenbuch auf das Jahr 1898," i. e., "New Berne Pocket Book for the Year 1898." In this Year Book (pp. 59-144) Mr. J. H. Graf published a series of reports and letters of Michel, from a Ms. in the city library of Berne, under the title: "Francis Louis Michel of Berne and his first Travels to America, 1701-1704." As there were a number of omissions in this pub- lication, a complete copy of the Ms. was secured through the
(l)-Tliis report of Michel is accompanied by a map, which he himself drew of the entrance of the Chesapeake Bay. The reproduction in the M.'VGAZiNE is a reduced copy of Micliel's map.
T. 1^
2i ; '.■■-:•■■ VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
>:• ". ''.\> kindness and courtesy of the Chief Librarian of the Berne ; . .1 library, Prof. Dr. Wolfgang F. von Miihnen. The whole Ms.
is now published for the first time in an English translation. (la) . ' Francis Louis Michel, who is well known through his con-
nection with Baron Graffenried and the establishment of the \,;,. . first Germ.an colony at New Berne, North Carolina, in the year :; ' 1710, belonged to a prominent Berne family, Michel von • . .,/, . Schwertschwendi. His father, David Michel, bom 1634, was Lord of Ralligen, becam.e member of the Great Council of ■•;. ■ Berne in 1673 and prefect of Gottstatt in 1684. He died Feb- •'■ ' r ruary 7, 1696. He had three children. His younger son, John iJ: ,1 ! Louis, born April 6, 1684, became Lord of Aarau and revenue ccmimiissioner in Yverdon. His older son, whose date of birth scem.s to be unknown, led an adventurous life as traveler and explorer in Am.erica. His daughter, Johanna Esther, was married to Abraham Wild, prefect of Buchsee. In his early life Francis Louis Michel had a military training. He probably served as an officer in the French army. His whole later con- ..... V, duct, as well as his interest in military affairs, point in that 1 ... direction. After he had returned hom.e, Michel made two
1 lu- bui v)i journeys to Am.erica, between the years 1702-1704. His letters f'...;-,",: I' and reports show that he aim.cd at setthng a Swiss colony in ? ill- ,..■ • ", Am:erica. In this he was not directly successful, but his letters CaU'-.: :'v led to the organization of a joint-stock company, known as firu' .1 V .; George Ritter and Co., under whose auspices Christopher von '•• '■■■■ < Graffen-ried founded the Genr.an colony of New Berne, N. C, ■ 1..' .. ; in the year 1710, at the m.outh of the Trent and Neuse rivers. ,,.-,, ..: The more important documents of Francis Louis Michel, i'.,. ■ ' ■ preserved at Berne, are in rcahty not the originals themselves, .1 ' ri l.._ but copies, m.ade by his brother, John Louis Michel. They
consist of the following:
1 r ;■ a I A short report of his journey to America, October 2, 1701-
'■ December 1, 1702, accompanied by a series of sketches: (a) A
' ■ • ■ n-ap showing the entrance of the Chesapeake Bay; (b) a sketch
•■• ■■-'•■ ■ "•■' of the College at William.sburg; (c) a sketch of the State House,
(la)-ln the interpretation of difr'cult words, the translator had the :: ' , assi.-tancc of Prof. A. B. Faust, of Cornell University, and of Prof. W. F. ;,,.• • .. von Miilinen, of the University cf Berne, Switzerland.
.1
\jt\ r 1 .! 'I.-/! 2i;'
THE JOURNEY OF FRANCIS LOUIS MICHEL. .• 6
begun 1702; (d) a sketch of the Church at Williamsburg; (e) a sketch of a waterspout; (f) a sketch of three Indians and their houses.
2. "Several letters, which arrived after the departure of my brother, dated February 14, 1703, from London, and from America."
3. A draft of a petition to the Queen of England, asking for a concession, in order to found a colony there.]
Short Report of the American Journey, which was made FROM the 2nd of October of Last Year to the First op December of this Current Year 1702. , ,
On the Ship Nassau,
built for 700 tons and forty pieces [of cannon].
Account of my first travels.
Soli Deo Gloria. , . '
1701, October. After I had determined upon this ioumey, I engaged passage on a ship going down the Rhine, at Basle, on the Sth of October, and on the 30th of said month I arrived in Rotterdam, where an English yacht lay ready, to convey Milord Galloway to London. I made use of this opportunity. On the evening of the 31st, we left the land and with the ebb and a weak but good wind sailed for three hours, then anchored. In the morning we made use of the tide and at ten o'clock reached Bricl [Brielle](2), a city five hours distant from Rotter- dam. As the wind was too weak Milord stayed there till the following morning. In the forenoon we sailed with an east wind out of the Rhine into the ocean, for about two hours, when we were forced, Ijccause of the weak wind and the unfavorable tide, to cast anchor. At evening the aforesaid wind increased and we advanced during the night about 30 hours [90 miles]. At noon we saw land, which looked as if it were encloc:d by high, white walls, inasmuch as the largest part of England towards the ocean lies upon white and high cliffs of chalk. At evening
(2)-Brielle lies at what is now the mouth of the New Meuse River, on the island of Voorne.
4 ' VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE,
we anchored in the Terns [Thames]. In the morning we sailed up the stream, covered with ships, through a beautiful and fer- tile district, passing the town of Gravesend.
1701, November. To-night, namely the 4th of November, we landed in London, not far from the Tower. But before we landed we were carefully searched for the third time, whether we had any dutiable goods. Even the trunks of Milord were not spared. The dutiable goods consist among other things of yam, laces, linen, that is unused, wine, whiskey, and other foreign goods. As it was already dark and as I was unacquaint- ed with English customs and the English language, I had great difficulty in finding a lodging place for the night. But in the morning a Frenchman showed me a room, in the so-called Quarter Gracq, which was rented by the week, where I stayed till my embarkation.
I shall not delay long in order to describe this great and mighty city and the fertile country, because, as one of the most beautiful and richest countries, it is sufficiently well known. In this great metropolis the splendid St. Paul's cathedral is especially note- worthy, whose size and costly workmanship excite attention, since m.ore than thirty six years have been spent in its erection and m.ore than ten years will still be necessary before it is com- pletcd(3). It is built of large white hewn stone. To secure the necessary mioney for it the burning of hard coal is taxed. Each wagonload is taxed a crown, which yields an incredibly large sum.
Not far from the city two royal castles arc located, together with the adjoining pleasure and game parks, where the late king William used to spend much time. One is called Kensing- ton(4), the other Grenwitsch [Greenwich]. (5)
(.3)-According to Baedeker's Lon^/o?i, IGtii cd.. 1911, p 91, "the present church, desig^ned by Cliristophcr Wren and bepun in 107.5. was opened for divine service on Deceinljcr 2, 1G97, and completed in 1710. The greater part of the cost of the construction, which may be estimated at about 850,000 1., wat^ defrayed by a ta.x on coal entering the jjort o'' London."
(4)-Kensin{,ton Palace was purchased from the second Earl of Nottinjr- ham by Kinf^ William III. in 16S9. The present brick edifice was built for William and Mary in lGSO-91. Sec Baedeker's London, p. 264.
(5)-Grecnwich Palace, l:uilt by Charles II. in 1667, was converted into a Hospital for aged and disabled soldiers by William III. in 1G94. See Baedeker's London, p. 393.
THE JOURNEY OF FRANCIS LOUIS MICHEL. 5
In order to gain my purpose, I went out daily to inquire when the West India ships would sail. After eight days I learned that within four weeks, as usual, a large number of ships would leave for that country, but especially the ship Nassau, upon which it was possible at that time, because of the King's liberal- ity, to travel free of charge. To that end I inquired of the commissioner, appointed for that purpose, who at o.ice ap- proved of my desire and informed me that the ship would sail within four weeks. The stranger can find out daily, at the Bourse, when and where the ships ready to sail leave, and also the name of the captain and at what place and time he is to be found; the size of the ship, the number of sailors and cannons is also stated.
The ordinary fare is five pounds, sometimes six, for the jour- ney across, but only half that amount for the return journey. After I had made sure of the ship, I inquired what marketable goods could be purchased. I bought, as far as I was able, SDme of every kind, also what was necessary for the journey and my stay there, namely: A mattress, linen, whiskey, ready-made clothes, hats, stockings, shoes, rifles, all kinds of household goods and implements, knives, scissors, shoe buekles, hair powder, especially amber, all kinds of perfumes and laces; in short everything that a man needs, except food. Tae ordinary and lowest profit is fifty per cent. But there are goad^ on which one can double and even treble his money. The largest profit of the merchants is due to the fact that the inhabitants of the West [Western World] have to order everything from England, because through lack of artisans nothing can be made in that country, although the materials for many things can be found there. It is probable that the merchants in England make no search for this [material], but rather discourage it, because they would lose much in trade.
When I had finished my purchases and the appointed tims had come, I went to the commissiDner, named Captain Jaco, who resides in St. Anne street. (6) He informed me that tha ship would soon be ready to leave and that it was lying at anchor
(6)-St. Anne St. is near Westminster Abbey, connecting Orchard St and Great Peter St.
i.1
-r f,
yni tr.i. v
lir^i .c:li.'':L«i zcpK ^r'Vfit'
6 VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
at Blackwahl [Blackwall](7), one hour from London. He gave me a note to Captain Robert Trischen, to receive me and to board me according to custom.
1701, December. On the 15th of December I went on board of ship. I looked at once for a well located cabin and with some effort made myself comfortable. There were 140 persons on the sam.e deck. We stayed there without prospect [of depart- ure] till January 14, 1702.
1702, January. The cause [of the delay] was the contrary wind and also the fact that our ship, because of its size, was Eubjcct to m;ilitary service. But Mr. William, the owner of the ship, substituted another ship in its place. He was able to secure this concession because he was a member of parliament at that time. Fourteen ships are owned by him. The king has knighted him. He has great wealth. In his youth he was a ccm.m.on sailor.
During this tim.e m.erchandise and provisions were daily taken on beard, and also scm.e poor English (*) people, or persons who had been guilty of some crim.e, young and old, sold into servitude for four years. Those who are not of age must serve, according to law, till they have reached the 21st year, for food and clothes. When they are sold in Virginia the ordinary price is from ten to eighteen pounds. After they have gained their liberty, they work for scm.e years, until they themselves can set up a planta- tion or farm, as indeed mxst of the inhabitants of that land have ccme in in such a m.anner and have settled there in that way.
In passing, I cannot emit to relate briefly what happened on the 22nd at night, at ten o'clock, through those sold into servi- tude. It should be known that there are people in England and especially in London, who sell foreigners and simple- mir.dcd people to go on West India ships. About fifty of these deceived and liberty-loving people plotted together, supplied thcm.selves secretly ^^ith sticks, to be used in case they would meet opposition in their effort to seize the sloop by force and to
(7)-The Blackwall docks, near Blackwall tunnel, are at the east end of London.
(*)-The original does not read"Armee Leutcn," as the printed edition (Year Book, p. 67) gives it, but "armen Leuten," as Prof, von Mulinen reads it.
.aKI\Ai')Ati.
nc
THE JOURNEY OF FRANCIS LOUIS MICHEL. 7
return to the land. But they had to come up the stairway, close to which I and four French famiUcs had settled. We looked in upon the commotion for a while, not knowing of their intention, until they all made a furious rush to seize the stair- way. We thought their object was to attack us, hence four of us seized swords and held the passage-way, until the ship's owner, together with twelve sailors, who had heard the uproar in their beds, came down in their shirts with their guns and anchor bars, saw the tumult and knocked down everybody who resisted and did not escape. Many were badly wounded and beaten. They took twenty of the leaders, whom they laid, during the whole cold night, backvv'ards across the cable and the anchor-ropes. The noise was heard on shore and became known in London. The captain came to hear what was the nature of the tumuli. After he had heard of their plan, he ordered twelve of the chief ringleaders and also two women, who had incited the revolt, to be locked up in irons. They had to suffer for it during the whole journey. The owner of the ship and also the captain were very grateful, that so few of us had held up the mob, and had taken the part of the ship's owner, in re- turn for whirh we were well treated. Especially at our de- parture, when the King refused to pay the passage money for the fugitives from France [Huguenots], as the commissioner in- formed us, wc had no other thought than that we would have to pay, namicly six pounds sterling. But the rich owner asked us to see him. We had to relate to him from beginning to end how it all hr.d happened. He told us that, though there was no hope that we be paid from the king's treasury as hitherto, yet in consideration of our services and faithfulness, he wished us good luck on our journey, but asked no money. Each one also had to drink to his health.
After the above date we were fully ready for the journey and we weighed anchor for the fifth time, in vain. On the 14th, however, we had good sailing weather, hence we left in the fore- noon and in the evening reached Gravesend, situated about 21 miles from London. It is provided with a strong fort (8)^ on
(8)-"0n the Essex bank, opposite Gravesend, we observe the low bastions of Tillniry Fort, originally constructed by Henry VIII. to defend the mouth of the Thames, and since extended and strengthened;" see Baedeker, London, p. 392.
1 'a.''
8 VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
the other side of the water, where ships stop, sometimes be- nt u ]• cause of stormy weather, at other times to get papers of clear- ance and ammunilionO). The servants of the ship are also paid here, if they have anything to demand. \ , J We lay there till the 2-ith. As there was good wind then, we f . ,, left in the forenoon and in the evening reached the mouth of the ,i: Terns [Thames] at Northpoint(lO). There we anchored. The
■ t.s"; • ■ battle ships of the first class pass the winter here. On the fol-
lowing day, with a weak wind, we advanced 88 miles. The
next day we passed a dangerous place over the covered sand-
' ■ . 'i banks(ll),which lie between Northpoint and Dunes [Downs](l2)
. .. The path of the ships is marked, as being 3, 4, 5 to 6 fathoms of
: I v.ater. The dangerous character of the place is shown by the
masts, which protrude out of the water at many places. These
lie not far from Marget [Margate]. On the 2Gth, in beautiful
weather, but with weak, contrary wind, we reached Dunes
• < ( ■ [Downs], where 64 large as well as small warships and mer-
.... chantmen of different nationalities were assembled. This
' ■ . harbor is guarded by two sea castles, between them lies an open
notable place (13), but the east wind is very dangerous to the
ships, which stay there, as five days before our arrival fifteen
; ! I . small and large ships, through the severe storm and the breaking
:. -i ; of anchor ropes or cables, were broken to pieces on the chalk
, , ; . cliffs, and partly were driven to and upon sandbanks where
.../.. m.ost of them suffered shipwreck.
' . .■ ' , 1702, February. We stayed there to the 6th of February, on
• ' ;■■ ' account of the contrary north-west wind. Two ships returned
cr. , from the sea badly used up through the rough weather. Inas-
"^.iii. ■ : ; much as the wind blew from the east in the evening, we, to-
■ ■ ^ (9)-The description of Baedeker aj^rees closely: "Vessels on their way . ■. . , up the Thames here take pilots and customs house officer on board, and
outward hound vessels also usually touch here;" see London, p. 43"f. '■• <'••'' ■■ (lO)-Northpoint is identical with the promontory North Foreland, alaout half a mile from Margate. .
'' . ' ■ (ll)-These sandbanks are the dangerous quicksands, called Goodwin ' ' Sands; sec Baedeker, Crea; 5n'/(zjn, 3rd ed., 1S91, p. 2t. _
' ■■ ) . • . (12)-"The 'Downs,' between Goodwin Sands and the mainland form ■ •' • an excellent harbour of refuge in stormy weather;" see Baedeker, Great ' "• ■ " ■ ' Britain, p. 25. ' ■ (13)-This notable place is Deal, with Deal Castle to the north of the
town and Walmer Castle to the south of it; see Baedeker, Great Britain, p. 25.
•J..:.••^. <.^A^ti.:l'^c^
■.;•,•» Jk..;.
iv.r.i; lr[> >.i
THE JOURNEY OF FRANCIS LOUIS MICHEL. U
gether with twelve other ships, weighed anchor, but we could not leave this evening with the others, because the captain de- layed too long on shore and we had to weigh two heavy anchors. At dawn, on the 7th, we sailed by Douvres [Dover], six miles from Dunes. Here the channel is only 21 miles wide, so that Calais in France can well be recognized. The wind changed to our disadvantage, hence we had to tack about, towards the coast of Normandy. We saw some French fishermen together with a large ship. It soon signalled by a flag that it was Eng- lish. Finally wc were compelled to make for Spit heat [Spit- head] (14), which Hes opposite the Isle of Wight. We had great difficulty in veering about, because the wind was altogether contrary. There is a strong fort which guards the harbor(15) This is one of the best and securest sea ports of England. A large number of warships were there, most of them ready to sail. They were filled with men pressed into service. We stayed there during the night. The next morning we sailed about six miles, in storaiy weather, and cast anchor before Cow [Cowes], a beautiful place in the island(16). There were 56 merchantmen there, waiting for east wind, which had not blown for ten weeks, the northerly and westerly wind is especially common. There was among others a large Dutch ship there, destined for the East Indies, which had waited six weeks for favorable wind. The ship's company was large and sickness was among them, so that more than forty persons had died since they were lying there. , , ■
We had to wait again for wind till the 18th. In the mean- time the empty water barrels were filled in the beautiful and fruitful Isle of Wight. It extends thirty miles in length and six miles in width(17). Oysters are taken there in large quan- tities. It looked as if the wind would not change soon, hence the captain sent for his wife from London. It is only forty
(14)-The roadstead of Spithead is between Portsmouth and the Isle of
WiRht. , .
(l.j)-B]ockhouse Fort, opposite Point Battery in Portsmouth, is prob- ably meant; sec Baedeker, Great Britain, map facing p. 55.
(iG)-West Cowes has the best harbor in the Isle of W ight, see Baedeker, I.e., p. 74.
(17)-Baedekcr's Great Britain, p. 67, gives the extent of the island as 22 miles in length and 13 miles in width.
10 VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
miles by land(18). She reached the ship Saturday evening. Bui in the morning of the 18th, at dawn, it began to blow from the east. At noon it was very good sailing weather, so that all preparations for sailing were made. The captain's wife took leave and was taken back on a sloop with two pieces of cannon. At the same time our pilot, Mr. Bonnus, went on land, because of his health, in his place Mr. Buller cam.e. At two o'clock all the ships were under sail. They were saluted by the fort lo- cated there, with many shots of cannon, to which the ships gave many replies and thus they took leave. They sailed together between the island and the mainland, passed the last fort(19), which lies on the land near the place of exit, and then they passed into the sea. Each ship showed by its flag its nation- ality, namely English, Dutch, Swedish, Danish and those from Hamburg. Most of them took their course southv.-ard. Our ship alone turned westward. The condition of our ship was as follows: We had only 18 pieces of cannon that could be used, besides the captain, officers, sailors, passengers and merchants, together with 130 persons that had been sold, in all 218 souls. We were also sufficiently supplied with all kinds of provisions. Food was henceforth distributed in the following manner : Five passengers had to club together. They received daily four pounds of biscuit, one quart of beer, two quarts of water, two pieces of beaf and pork, weighing six pounds, in addition every noon, which was mealtime and announced by the ringing of bells, a dish full of large peas. On Sundays and Wednesdays we received in place of the meat two pounds of flour and half a pound of pork lard, out of which a thick paste is made, which is put into a linen sack. It is cooked with the meat, but not as long as the latter. Grape juice is often put into it, which is a good dish, called boudin [pudding]. It happens often that in- stead of meat fresh and large beans with butter are given out. The food is often, on account of the heat and because it is not salted sufficiently, like the water, of such bad taste that we suffered considerably, especially because the large number of
(18)-The exact distance from London to Portsmouth is 44 miles; see Baedeker, Crcal Britain, p. 55.
(19)-Probably Hearst Castle is meant, one of the cost defences ot Henry VIII; see Baedeker, Creal Britain, p. 95.
.StVfi;
yrjivj
lirH \y.u: )
£ ;•: (1-)'.:
'I J; J
THE JOURNEY OF FRANCIS LOUIS MICHEL. '"'^- 11
inice spoiled our bread altogether. The captain and those that cat at his table arc always supplied with fresh meat, nor do they use wine and strono; beer sparingly. It costs ten pounds for the journey outwards and six pounds for the return trip to eat at his table, besides the transportation fare.
This night the ship began to rock. In the morning we saw no land, but two ships came in sight. As the wind increased the ship rocked more than before, so that almost all were seized with sea sickness. With many others I was unable to cat any- thing within four days. Even if one did eat something, it did not stay, but the stomach had to surrender it again, which was a great hardship to the people. Usually one cannot eat for some time even that food, which one could cat before the sick- ness. The meat was lying about in large quantities, because the rations were cooked as usual, although during the first days hardly anylody ate anything.
The cast wind continued constantly, so that we needed from twelve to sixteen sails. On the 21st, we passed Sorlingen(20) [Scilly islands], the extreme end of England, a dangerous cliff. A French woman died to-day. She was a lively, sensible and thoughtful woman, who left a husband together with two little bo'j's. Three hours after her death a sack full of stones was attached to her and thus she was consigned to the deep.
1702, March. The above mentioned wind continued blowing strong to the 8th of March. We sailed every twenty four hours between sixty and eighty m.iles. While doing it we were troubled considerably by the violent motion of the ship. During this time nothing remarkable occurred. On the 8th, at noon, as on every day when the sun shines, the captain took the lati- tude. He found that we were on the 45th degree, about 650 hours or 1950 m.iles from London. Day and night there was at this point a difference of two and a half hours in time. The more one turns west, the longer the day becomes, compared w ith our country or Europe. The acute fever prevailed among us very much, so that about forty men and women were sick, and every \^'eek one or two were taken off. They were all
(20)-Sorlinpues is the French name of Scilly Islands, forty miles from Land's End, the extreme south-west corner of England.
.. ■)
jinhuG
12 H K». VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
cL\ I thrown into the ocean as mentioned above. Hitherto I have
kept well, except getting sea-sick, but on the 11th I fell asleep
- : t on the stern of the ship, lying in the sun. The climate of this
region is said to be warm throughout the whole year. During
;■ : ;•, this time there died among others an English lady, of high
I I family and great wealth. As she had been guilty of some in-
; , discretion, her family was sending her to Virginia. The captain
•...:.. had a coffin made for her, in which were placed stones and
■■ l through which holes were bored, so that it might sink more
readily.
From the date mentioned last till Easter we advanced fairly well. Inasmuch as a long journey was anticipated, the daily
rations were diminished, especially did we suffer for lack of
:., . • i water. On Easterday a driving storm blew from north-east,
1 ., ; mixed with rain and showers We could not cook to day, be-
\' ■ • cause the ship was repeatedly thrown from one side to the other.
I, I At noon the storm increased, so that not more than half a sail
; .'.: could be hoisted. A large rope, which was meant to steady the
J,:,! ',: mast, was torn.
• : 1702, April. We had again beautiful sailing weather, with
wind from the north-cast. The captain, with the owner of the
.. .i . ship, took the latitude. They found that we had passed the
31st degree. We saw, upon our left, about an hour's distance
i :j ■• [three miles] from us a waterspout(21), which are usually seen
at certain places, when good sailing weather is coming, but they
I \( are terrible and dangerous to the ships, if one cannot escape from
them, or break them up through cannon balls, which are shot off
at them. They appear like a cloud on the water and in the air.
From the lower cloud rises a stream of water like a serpent into
the upper cloud. Experience shows that when a ship comes
near and breaks up the waterspout, a mass of water falls down,
which, if it does not sink the ship, damages it seriously.
On the 2nd we had beautiful warm weather. We saw a ship in the morning behind us, well provided with sails. It was ap- proaching us. We made ready for a fight, if it had to be. To- ■ :■: wards evening we were still close together. We thought it was
(21)-This waterspout must have impressed Michel very much, for he made a sketch of it, which forms part of the Ms.
.!■( : . i,i
-oT
THE JOURNEY OF FRANCIS LOUIS MICHEL. 13
surely a pirate. Finally the captain hoisted the English flag. It was answered by the same, which pleased us very much. We did not feel much desire to fig;ht. Finally we came together so closely that the captains could talk to each other through the speaking trumpet and could drink to each other's health. The ship was from Bristol and like ourselves on the journey to Virginia. As this was the first company we had, the captains would have liked to come together to celebrate, but the high sea did not permit it. Upon our inquiry how far we were from land, he answered, 250 miles. According to our count it was 300 miles. In order to find out how far a ship has sailed or gotten away from land, on the one hand, the degrees of latitude are taken, on the other hand the English have the custom to take soundings every two hours, day and night, without interrup- tion, by m.eans of a line, to which a little board in triangle shape is attached. On the one side, namely below, it is covered with lead. It [the triangular board] is attached with a cord at two places. It remains perpendicular and almost immovable in one place in the water. When the ship goes fast, much cord on the ship is unrolled from a capstan. A sandglass of half a minute is used at the same time and when the little board in the water is ready, the glass is turned around, and the cord is let go. When the glass is empty, the cord is held, which is marked, and it can be seen easily how many fathoms the ship made in half a minute. Then they figure out how many miles the ship makes in two hours, which is recorded in the [log] book.
A large number of fish were encountered. From that time I had more and more heat in my head, until I lost consciousness on the 16th. The physician, a Saxon, who cared more for eating and drinking than for his calling, gave me various remedies, so that after a lapse of eight days I improved. What was most troublesome was the fact that I could not cat the ship's food, but we did not have any other. About this time the favorable wind began to fail. The captain stated that he had traveled westward nine times, but had never seen this wind last so long, nor had traveled westward so far in so little time. It should be known that on the journey across north and west winds generally prevail.
8C
nu m «'ii!
tuon.
14 ! .^;-r'.' VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
I After the calm had lasted two days and we had traveled in
that time hardly thirty miles, the wind began to blow from the . . north, which was not favorable for us. On the 19th, at day- break, we discovered a ship on our right, about twelve miles from ) VIS. As the wind carried us towards it, it made every effort to ' approach. In this latitude pirates are commonly found. We
, ;. : saw that it approached u? and was sailing better than we, hence
't.. . . : we prepared our defence. The masts were fastened with chains, • .. the cannons and firearms were loaded, the broad swords and , -. V short pikes were laid out. All the men were assembled, the women were locked in the hold. The sailors had to fix their beds and hammocks on the quarter deck as a breastwork, so that we might be safe against the small arms. Forty bottles of whiskey were ready to fill the people with courage. Meanwhile we approached closer. We saw through the fieldglasses that it was not as large as ours, but we could not discover the nation- r ,. ality or whether it was a pirate. Finally evening came and, because of the darkness, we saw it no more. But we kept a good •u lookout and changed our course, so that in the morning we had lost sight of each other. In clear weather one can see from ; seven to ten hours [21-30 miles]. The wind was eight days north north-west and often even west. We had to change our course not only, but were even driven back about one hundred ' ,'''• miles. During this time we suffered very much through the roughness of the sea, so that we could not lie down at night, It*.'! much less could we rest. If we did not hold fast somewhere . we were thrown from one side to the other. With great trouble :.''%, and cost I had a pitcher of ptisan(22) cooked for me, which one i.i.rr, night was hurled down from its place, because the ship was - !. :i ' thrown on one side, and all was lost. We saw at different times large and small fish. Once at evening during a violent rain- . . storm, we saw a part of a broken ship, drifting close to us, in- deed so near that it was difficult to turn away from it. The ... .. wind turned to south and often north-east, so that we had to go 'r <;i' with a quarter sail and even less, yet we made day after day 28
0! (22)-Theformof the word used by Michel is "phtisana." It is a Greek
i ' word, plisanc, peeled barley, then also barley water. Webster defines ■' " ■ ptisan as "barley water with other ingredients." In Latin the form is ptiiana, in French tisane, in English ptimn, pronounced tizan.
.aM;s
THE JOURNEY OF FRANCIS LOUIS MICHEL, y^. ,(/. 15
to 36 hours. On the 22nd two large ships hove in sight, east of us. It was stormy weather and dark, so that we were soon unable to see them. On the 3rd of May it was beautiful weather for sailing. The captain of a ship which had sailed with us since yesterday came on board during the calm of to- day. He was well received by our people and entertained till evening.
1702, May. On the 4th, the wind came from the south-east, which expedited our journey. We saw again two ships. The one seemed to be a warship. But we made no efforts for our defense as before, because we did not regard ourselves capable of making a resistance, if they should attack. It also looked like an English ship, but it could not approach us to-day. On the morning of the next day it was an hour [three miles] away from us. It made straight for us. We were rather afraid. But we soon saw by the flag that it had an English emblem and color, red with a white cross in a white field, at the upper corner near the pole. As it was good sailing w^eather, the captains came to our ship, where they were hospitably entertained. The large ship, wliich we had taken for a warship, was one of the most beautiful merchantmen, named "Indian King" or "Wild King," because it had been built in Virginia. Three years ago it fell into the hands of the pirates not far from land, but was rescued after a hard battle by the governor(23). Sixty pirates were taken prisoners, of all kinds of nations, nearly all of whom were later hung in England. The joint reckoning of all the captains agreed that we were not more than fifty miles from land, because we had seen signs of land for four days, plants of roses from the Bahamas, as also all kinds of land birds. The water had already changed its former blue color into green. To-day we saw a large fish [whale], which could swim very fast and from time to time threw up much water archlike. The "Wild King" sailed to-day close to us, as also the other ships, because, as stated above, their captains were with us. The crew of the above mentioned ship had a large fishing-hook, to
(23')-Robert Peverlcy in his History and l^resent State of Virgiiiia, Lou- den, ITn.'i, Poole I, {). 1021" , shows at lengtli that it wasnot Governor Nich- olson who dcicrved credit for the capture of the pirates, but Captain Passenger, Commander of the Shoram, a fifth rate man of war.
16 ■• VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
which four pounds of meat were attached by a rope. In the evening a hundred pound fish was hanging to it, which caused great joy and rejoicing. Our cook, an Indian by birth, was sent by the captain to that ship to get a piece [of the fish]. It was at once prepared and distributed, but it was not good.
On the 6th we had still beautiful weather. We saw various signs of land. We made a sounding for 200 fathoms, but con- trary to expectation, did not strike bottom. To the rope an oblong piece of lead is attached, to the bottom of which a piece of tallow is pasted. If it strikes stony soil, the tallow frequently stays down. By the soil that adheres those who are expert in it can tell how far the land is and what region it is. On the 7th another sounding was taken, but, to our surprise, we were again unable to find bottom. The reckoning is perhaps sixty miles wrong. At night bottom was struck to our great joy at 118 fathoms. The lead and the tallow were cut off and, according to custom, were fastened to the small mast, the number of the fathoms being added with chalk. White sand and small oyster shells had adhered to the tallow. On the following day bottom was found at 90, 78 and 52 fathoms and, as we did not dare to sail at night, for fear of running upon the large sand- banks, which lie before the bay, we anchored. At break of day we heard from the mast the pleasant call: Land, land! Every one appeared happy and thanked God. It is customary to give a bottle of whiskey to the one who first sees the land.
The coast appears at first like a forest standing in water. When we drew nearer, we could recognize out of the different green colors the various kinds of trees, growing together. At noon we sailed between Accomac and Quiqucdam into the [Chesapeake] Bay, with four and five fathoms of water. Four- teen miles further up we ran into the York river and on the same night we reached Yorktown, where six ships were lying at anchor. We were greeted with many salutes, to which wc replied.
What has become known to me of this country and what I have learned from my own experience and have heard from the inhabitants. I shall now relate briefly:
It is well known that this fourth part [continent] of the world
■!j:i.': v:i.;u!
THE JOURNEY OF FRANCIS LOUIS MICHEL. 17
was first discovered in the 15th century, about 1492, hy Jean [Christopher] Colombo, an Italian of Genoa. The first island which he saw towards the south he called Hispaniola. From there they sailed to the kingdoms of Peru and Mexico, so rich in gold and silver. Whole books have been written regarding the things that happened on their further journeys and the in- hum.an cruelty which they showed towards the poor natives.
After he had found such a great kingdom and fruitful coun- try and it had become generally known, other nations sailed forth to become acquainted with that country and, if possil^lc, gain a foothold there. The first colony was planted in the north, called New York (24), which is now the principal pro- vince of the British empire. The capital in the west is called Boston. It is governed like other lands and islands mled by the king of England, without participation of Parliament. For these lands are hereditary possessions of the English kings, who caused them to be discovered and colonized by their own means. They also protect them and, in the beginning, waged fierce wars with the ancient inhabitants or savages.
Pennsylvania or New Netherland(25), adjoining New York, was first settled by the Hollanders, as even today a large number of them dwell there. In the treaty made in 1GG5 this country was surrendered to England by way of exchange for the island of Courshaw [Curacao] and Surinam, small but advantageously located places for commerce, which is carried on with the Spaniards. It [Surinam] lies not far from the Spanish islands of the Amazon River.
The capital is called Philadelphia. According to the state-
ments of those who have visited it. it is described as a large,
(24)-Miche! evidently never heard of tho .\cw Enjibn] colonics and thcu^ht Poster, was in Xe>.v York. There arc a number o'' other miutakcs in the tollowir.'.^ paragraphs, introdurtory to his description of Virginia, but it is not necessary to point out all of them in detail.
(25)-What Michel writes here about Pennsylvania applies to New'York. It is an intcicstinp, point, generally overlookci!. that' the exchange men- tioned by him took place. The article "Guiana" in the Emycl. Brit., 11th cJ., Vol. XII, p. 67G. states: "Tliis colonv | Surinam i was however formally ceded to the Netherlands in 1007 hv tho i)cace of Breda. Great Britain takinfr New York. According to tlicrf/wirif^'f Modern Hislory, Vo\. V, p 1121 it was agreed by the treaty of Breda that both England and Holland should keep their conquests.
TI
lO'-i ir
T.il J
18 ,, ,,,, VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
ricli, commercial city, as also the country itself is said to be one of ihe most fruitful countiiss which the English hold there in their possession. It is especially rich in grain. Charles II, for services rendered gave this province, together with the gov- ernment and full religious liberty, to the Baptists(26), who live there in large numbers. But the government was taken from William Penn, the last governor, because he harbored sea- robbers or pirates. Many towns and villages are found in it.
Then follows Maryland, adjoining the last mentioned coun- try. It took its name from Queen Mary, becaiise it was dis- co^'ercd and first settled in her reign. It is rich in tobacco, which, however, cannot be compared to that of Virginia, nor is it sold as dearly. It is mostly exported to Holland. It is the snallcst province.
Then follows Virginia. As I have lived there, it is my purpose to describe its characteristics m.ore at length.
Carolina borders on it in the south. It was discovered and settled under a king Charles. An extensive wilderness lies between Virginia and this country [Carolina], so that thus far people have not been in the habit of traveling by land [from one to the other].
Finally follows Florida, of which I do not know much to report, except that it borders on the Spanish and French pos- sessions. Although unknown to me, this country comprises an incredibly large area, whose inhabitants are very numerous and increase every year. All these are part of the American continent. In the east they are bounded by the ocean, in the north by Canada, which is inhabited by the French, but be- cause of the great coldness very inconvenient, in the west by the unknown wilderness and in the south by the Spanish country.
The m.any streams and large rivers, together with the innum- erable smaller ones, which branch out into the country from the larger on all sides, and their abundance of fish are indescribable.
Regarding the islands, which like the above mentioned coun- tries are in English possession, it may be said that there is first of all Barbados, very rich in sugar, of which mostly rum isdis-
{26)-Quakers shculd be substituted for Baptists. The story about Penn harboring pirates is of course fictitious.
9d
atoh'.'/iiA SilJ U> )"r:.'j • ic o^oiit tlA .ifi'.>v
111 v.-:
THE JOURNEY OF FRANCIS LOUIS MICHEL. ' ' " '' 19
tilled, which is a kind of whiskey, the gallon or four quarter ban-el is sold at the place for three shillings. Many ships stop there every year and a considerable commerce is carried on with that island. It lies about 100 miles from the main land.
Jamaica is another island, situated not far from the first(27), also rich in sugar. Many negroes are brought from this island and sold in Virginia. Besides all kinds of fruits arc raised there and also much cattle.
St. Christopher was only half inhabited by the English. But when they heard of the war this year, they took up arms and drove out the French, who occupied the best part. They were compelled to go to St. Dominique. It is very warm in that island, but it is rich in money, which the privateers took from the Spaniards. A terrible wi-nd is said to come there every year, called hurricane, which causes great damage on land and sea when its period arrives, which is November. Then the water appears of a whitish color and rises higher than usual. Indeed it often passes beyond its barriers and does damage. When the ships see such signs, they seek the best possible safety.
As stated above we arrived here on April 8th [read May 8th]. I shall now state briefly what has become known to me.
Virginia (*) lies on the 37th degree of latitude, westward or to- wards the setting sun. The differencp in time between London and here is six hours, namely when it is noon in England, it is six o'clock in the morning in this country.
The extent of the country is as follows: The width from Maryland to Carolina, together with the wilderness between the two countries, amounts to 500 milcs(28), the length extends into the wilderness, which is not known to any one and the end is impossible- to find.
(27)-The geographical knowledge of Michel is somewhat defective.
(2S)-This extent is of course much too large. It may be, however, that Michel uses "Virginia" herein a wider and more original sense. Bev- erly in his History, Book II, p. 2 says: "The least extent of Bounds in any of the Grants made to Virginia, since it was settled, and which wa find uoon Record there is Two Hundred Miles North from Point Comfort, and Two Hundred Miles South."
(*)-In editing the latter part of Michel's report, the translator had the able assistance of the editor of the Magazine Mr. Stanard, who very kindly furnished notes 30, 33, 3G, 37, 40, 42 and 49.
♦>!
.■^ffl OJ »//Onii 5iYlO0;Xl fJF.Xl WOff il) )' ^
20 VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
; 'Oil it. Among the navigable and principal waters the bay, which
^xr^VL. runs between Accomac and Quiquedam for more than 400
,,:. : '- n-iiles(29), must be mentioned first. It ends or rather begins
;, in Pennsylvania. The entrance or mouth is 25 miles wide, full
•. . of dangerous sandbanks, as shown by the fact that recently a
^ ■ .-. : royal ship suffered shipwreck on one of the banks, where a part
\ -.i.^ -. s i of the ship can still be seen. Ebb and tide control this water '": > ■.»..^ like the ocean. Into this bay empty m:any large and small •i.v./ (I, ■ rivers. I shall m.ention only the four principal rivers, which ',;. ,,,,. 1. pass through Virginia and are navigable for large ships for 80 • i : .' to 100 miles up stream. They have 3, 4 to 6 fathoms of water. • ■, ■ : From these four m.ain rivers branch off an innum.erable number ■. of tributaries or smiall rivers, which are very convenient for the ' people, who seek to live near them, because of their convenience. The first is called Jam.es or Jacob's river, whose mouth not far from the ocean or Quiquedam (30), is a very broad and wide- ■ - , spread river. According to the testimony of the Indians its
■ ' end or rather its beginning has never been found. This river
abounds in fish till Falensgrig [Falling Creek], 80 miles up inland. That far reaches the ebb and tide of the ocean. It cannot get , M • farther, because the river falls there over high rocks, which
: causes miuch noise that can be heard far away. The salt water
also reaches as far as the falls, above them it is a smoothly flow- ing, sweet water river, about half a miile wide. Twenty five miiles farther up this river is a French colony, of which more will be reported later on. • , t The second is called York river. It empties sixteen miles
from the first into the bay. They are equally wide. It has ...■': .its full width till fifty miles farther up, where it bran?h25 at West
• (29)-It is only 200 miles.
(30)-Quiquedam is evidently intended for Kcckotan or Kickotan, the
' Indian name of the present town of HamtJton, \'a., on KamiJton Roads.
, .. There was an Indian villat'o here at the time of the first settlement; but
within a few vears the tribe was exterminated by the Powhatans. At
tlictimcof Michel's visit Ham.ptnn (or Kickotan) was a prosperous village
with a church and at least one inn. the Rose and Crown.
'■ Fallini:; Creek ilow>- into James River on the south side 6 miles below
. Richmond. Here, in 1620, the first iron furnace in .America was estab-
*" lished. It was destroyed and the workm.en killed by the Indians in the
- '' * Massacre of 1022. Lumps of ore (some with par11\- melted charcoal in
l\'-'' ■'- - them) are still found at the site of the furnace. Bcp, ore, found in shallow
' ' '•:■ pockets along the creek, was used.
THE JOURNEY OF FRANCIS LOUIS MICHEL. 21
Point. The large ships, as well as ebb and tide, come up to this point. Farther up the water is sweet. As stated, half of the river branches off northwestward, for about thirty miles, called Mattabaney river. The other branch runs sDJthwest a great way into the wilderness. It is called PomDuquay river. It runs quietly, like the other, with sweet water. It is two to three fathoms deep and half a mile wide.
The third is the Rabahanock river. It runs into the bay thirty miles from the last. It has the same width, as well as ebb and t-ide, like the other two. It extends into the wilderness through Straifort County. It is also plied by ships for sixty miles up into the country. With sloops or other boats one can go up still farther.
Th.c fourth and last is the Pattom'ae River, the broadest of all, about eighteen miles wide at some places. It runs far up into the country, v/ith ebb and tide like the others. It is much vi.sitcd by merchantmen and divides Virginia and Maryland. These four rivers come partly from the bay, but partly and even mostly from the interior or the wilderness. When they meet, that part v/hieh comes from the interior is sweet and runs con- stanily, but the part that comes from the bay flows up and down, like the ocean, and is salty.
Regarding religious services it may be said that they are held according to the principles of the reformation, as in our [Swiss] churches, although with some customs in the English language not current among us, except at Manigkintown(ol), where the French Huguenots dwell. There services are held in their own language. I shall shortly report more about Manigkintown, which is located on the James River.
Going to church means at some places a trip of more than thirty miles, but, as can be seen from what follows, it is not a great hardship, because people are well mounted there. Horses, which are hardly used for anything else but riding, are half
of
I^Iuuul; uib ur i\i iii'jcuns, a Lriiju uivv;iys> uu-iluc lu luc i u wn iumo. m imO they nun'jc'rel 33 bowmen or about 103 individuals; \)\it by 1700, they had eTii:>rat2i or begone e.xtinct and their lands were given to the Huguenot colony in Virginia.
m:xlJ •j;vm "io ahi f.
.C2 J^
22 VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
"i , deers. They run always in a fast gallop. When services are
t ■ . -i I. ■ ■ '.,, held on Sundays or on other days none goes to church except on
;■.: I •■ ; t ■ horseback. The churches are not all built alike. Most of them
are of timber, without towers or bells. In every county there
are one, two or three churches, according to the population,
, ; ;. whether it is thickly settled or scattered. There are also stone
;i .,.M '. ■. churches, of which I have seen three, built of bricks, especially
li • at Jamestown (3 2), where the church has a tower and a bell.
: ', i;i The other [brick church] is at Williamsburg(33) and the third
',_ <.'... I ^ in Claster [Gloucester] County.
(32)-There is no mention elsewhere of any stone churches in Virginia; ■■''.'■' il* but it is obvious, from the context, that Michel means brick. There ( ^ . L , were more than three brick churches in Virginia at this time. ' ' ' ' ' •' After the first log churches in the fort at Jamestown, several frame
'" ' ones were erected. In 1617, a new church 50x20 feet was built. It was • , , a fram.e building and probably stood on the site of the later brick church.
When the foundations of the brick church were excavated the walls were •' '• ' ' found to be three feet thick and to have heavy buttresses. There was ; , , ^ also a tiled chancel unearthed. Within these foundations were discov- ' ; ercd fragments of a 9 inch brick wall, based on round cobble stones. 1 '■'•' Builders and architects who examined it stated that it would not have
sustained a brick wall, and was no doubt the brick under-pirning of a frame church. This could have been only that of 1617. If this supposi- ''i"; ■ tion is correct, the first American legislature, the Virginia Assembly of
1019. met here. Between 16.39-45, a substantial brick church and tower , were built. This was burnt by Bacon's men in 1676; but there is good reason to believe that the low, thick walls did not fall, and that they were used in the church which was rebuilt soon afterwards. The last was the church Michel saw. After Jamestown was abandoned it grad- ually fell to decay; but exactly when it was pulled down to the ground is not known. There is so much moisture at Jamestown, in soil and atm.cs- f)here, that any disinterred brickwork left open to the air rajiidly .< crumbles away. To prevent this a brick structure which is a rem.arkable
' reproduction of the old church was built over the foundations, and by an
ingenious use of hidden concrete piers rnd steel beams, the new structure ■■■ •' though apparently resting on the old foundations does not really do so.
The earth has been cleared away from these foundations inside making them visible. This building was a present to the Association for the ^ " Preservation of Virginia Antiquities (which owns the grounds at Jam.es-
' ';• town) from the National Society of Colonial Dames. Excavations within
the church showed three tiled chancels, one beneath another, evidently belonging to the three successive churches. ./ (3.3)-There was a parish and church here in 1632 when the place was
' ■• • ' ' called Middle Plantation. Bruton parish was organized in 1074 and in , ' 16S3 a brick church (that seen by Michel) was completed. It became dilapidated and in 1715 a new church, the present one was completed.
Gloucester county had four parishes, Petsworth, Abingdon, Ware and Kingston. The first three certainly had brick churches (two of them, Abingdon and Ware, still standing and in regular use); but all were prob- ably built in the 18th century. The particular church Michel refers to cannot be identified.
THE JOURNEY OF FRANCIS LOUIS MICHEL. 23
The clerical profession in that country is worth visiting, es- pecially those who are well educated. They arc well respected and well paid. There are congregations in which every sermon costs one guinea. Ordinarily members, whether they are few or many, must make up for the services yearly 16,000 pounds of tolDacco(34). In addition certain fees are fixed in money for marriages, baptisms and funerals(35). They have also their residence and their glebe.
Mr. Blair (3 6) is Bishop in this country, and also president in the Council or Parliament. He is a learned, sensible and well- to-do man. Together with others I had some business with him. He showed us much courtesy and kindness. Nor can I pass by in silence the many kind acts I experienced from a certain Mr. Foes(37), a Frenchman by birth. He has two churches to take care of. He has lived for thirteen years in this country as an English clergyman. Through a marriage with a widow, who died soon afterwards, he has amassed large means. There are also some Catholics, who can hold their religious services in Maryland. But there are only a few of them.
(31r)-This statement is supported by Jones, Present State of Virginia, London 1721, p. 71: "The salary of the Minister is yearly 16000, and in some parishes 20000 1. of Tobacco."
(35)-The fees, according to Jones, 1. c, p. 72, were: "20 s. for every wedding by license, and 5 s. for every wedding by Banns, with 40 s. for a funeral sermon, which most of the middling people will have."
(36)-Jam.e3 Blair, D. D., A. M., University of Edinburgh 1673, came to Va. in 1685, v.'as minister of Henrico parisl^ for nine years, then reaioved to Jamestown, where he was for some years the minister. In lOSO he v/as appointed Commissary of the Bishop of London in V'a., end being most influential in founding Wm. & Mary College was chosen its first President in 1692. In 1710 he was appointed minister of Bruton parish, was appointed m.ember of the Council of State of Va. 1GS9, was long President of that body, and as such was acting governor Dec. 1740- July 25, 1741. He died April IS, 1743.
(37)-Rev. Stephen Fouace came to Virginia in 16S8, and was minister of York-Hampton parish. In 1692 he was one of the first trustees of Wm. & Mary College; but returned to England in 1702, and died at Bed- font, Middlesex.
m
24. . . VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
Regarding the government(38). The governor, sent by the English King for six years or even longer, is appointed as his viceroy. He rules absolutely in the name of the king. A Parliament has been associated with him, which serves him with help and counsel. The members are selected from the most respected men in the country. They are usually those who fill the highest offices.
After this supreme authority follows the semi-annual Court or Assembly. These are two chosen, honorable and able men, from every county who remain usually from two to three weeks with the governor. They decide those things that are not of the highest importance. Each one receives one hundred pounds of tobacco daily as long as he stays. The county must pay the costs, just as in the case of the religious establishment.
Then follows lastly the monthly Court. Each county namely has a court or house of assembly, where every householder is obliged to appear at the specified time, in order to assist in settling difficulties which one m.ay have with the other. But if no settlement can be made in this assembly, it is submitted to the semi-annual assembly, and if it cannot be settled there, an ai^peal is taken to the parliament as the last court, from whicli no further appeal is possible. But if it is an insignificant dispute or accident there is in every county a justice of the peace. But if the dispute cannot be settled by him, it is reported to the above-named courts.
This country, as far as it is settled, is divided into twelve parts, called counties(39). The first is called Claster [Glou-
(3S)-The statements of Michel regarding the government of Virginia are inadequate and inaccurate. The appointment of the governor ran "during pleasure" ofthe Crown (Beverley, History, Book IV, p. 2). There Vv'as associated with him the General Assembly, made up of the Upper House consisting of the Governor and twelve Councillors, who had execu- tive power, and of the Lower House of Burgesses, two delegates from every county. The General Court consisted of the Governor and th.e twelve councillors, which met twice a year, in April and October, for eighteen days. The County Courts consisted of eight or more Justices of the Peace in each countv. (See Beverley, History, Book IV, Chapter VI). In civil cases an apo'eal from the General Court to the Queen and Council in England was possible in certain instances, see Beverly, History, Book IV. p. 21.
(39)-The number of counties in Virginia in 1702 was twenty-five. See Beverley, //ii/orv, who gives a tabular list of all the counties for the year 1702, witli the acres of land, the number of souls, of titheablcs. of womicn and children, of the militia, and the names of the parishes in each county. According to him the total number of souls in 1702 was 00,003, the tithe- ablcs 25,023, the m.ilitia 9,522 and 31 parishes.
.f.
THE JOURNEY OF FRANCIS LOUIS MICHEL. . .' . 25
cester] County, the second York, the third New Kent, the fourth King and Queen, the fifth Stratfort, the sixth Charles, the seventh City County, the other five have escaped my mem- ory. These counties appear to be very large and populous, t)ut although the number of people is unknown to me, it can be estimated from three facts. In the first place, there are said to be about 20,000 negroes or black people, of whom I shall re- port more at another place. Secondly, I have traveled through most of this country and have seen the large number of people. And lastly at the Lime the Queen was proclaimed six counties were called to muster, when about 2000 men responded. I .shall soon relate how this proclamation was miade. The governor made his residence at Jamestown(40), situated on the James River. It is one of the largest and most beautiful places in the country, although it does not have more than thirty-five houses. Four years ago the late King William ordered at Middle Planta- tion, v.'hi.ii i ; now called Williamisburg in his honor, a large building, a so-called Collcgc(4r), together with a State House(42) to be erected. He contributed 4000 guineas to it. The gover- nor now resides there. It is, moreover, because of the con- venient place or situation, and also because of the many
(-t'J)-The rest- aches of Mr. S. H. Vonge ("Site ot Old Jamestown"), show tliat the e irliest s^overnors houses were east of the present church- yard in what was called the "Newtown." Various houses were occupied, but the site of the house in which the governor resided in Michel's time is not known.
(tl)-The charter of Wm. & Mary College was dated Feb. 8, 1693. The design for the building to be erected at Williamsburg contemplated a rectangular structure two stories and a half high, 136 feet long and 40 feet wide, with two wings, each 60x23 feet inside measurement. The build- ing was completed about 1700 (when the first commencement was held), and several sessions of the Assembly were held in it; but on Oct. 29, 17C5 it was burnt, only the sturdy walls remaining. It was soon rebuilt. Michel saw the original building.
(42)-The capitol at Williamsburg was at the eastern end of Duke of Gloucester street It consisted of two buildings, 75 feet long, inside measurement, connected by a gallery with rooms above it. The whole was of the shape of the letter H. The buildings were two stories and a half high with a hip roof. One end of each building was semi-circular, and at this end of each was a room, 50 feet long, on the first floor, for the Burgesses ond Council. A detailed description may be found in "Will- iamsburg The Old Colonial Capitol," by Dr. Lyon G. Tyler. The Capi- tol was complet("<l in 1704; but was burnt in 1746, and another erected on the same site which was completed in 1752. The foundations can still be seen.
j.r'
rn ,21
2G ' VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
:■': • 'if ; • springs(43) which are there, a larj^e place, where a city is in-
;;• -.,.,! tended and staked out to be built. There are at present, be-
'; • ;•, sides the Church, College and State House, together with the
' • r .M residence of the Bishop, some stores and houses of gentlemen,
\ . and also eight ordinaries or inns, together with the maga-
,'..<:. \ . zinc(44). More dwellings will be built year after year. This
' : ; place lies between the James and the York rivers, six miles from
!,..., •- •; Jamestown and ten miles from Yorktown. The youth is in-
' i . structed in the higher branches in the College there. But, be-
j. ' ■'■ .] '■ < cause most of the people live far away, only the more well-to-
!'i i do parents, who have the means, can secure boarding for their
^ ; sons there, which costs yearly twenty guineas. There are about
forty students there now. Before this it was customary for
■ . ,, ■ .. wealthy parents, because of the lack of preceptors or teachers,
• to send their sons to England to study there. But experience . , 1 , showed that not many of them came back. Most of them died . , , of small-po:_\45), to which sickness the children in the West are , ■, subject.
Regarding the military organization it may be said that the
,,, governor is the general. The present one is a distinguished
man and a good soldier(46). This he showed in person, as
stated, in the sea-battle four years ago with the pirates, not far
r from Quiquedam in the Bay, when he rescued the ship "Indian
King" after fierce resistance.
Then follow the colonels, of whom there are twelve in the ( , country. They are conspicuous, rich men, v/ho allow themselves
.- ; : , ^ , to be used for police as well as military duty. When they are in •' service, they have a salary. At other times it is an honorary
, ,,. title, like that of major and captain, as it is in our country
..H-. 1 [Switzerland]. Thus the people are summoned when neces-
sary. No fort or soldiers are kept in the country, because the V. •. • inhabitants protect themselves. They are on horseback most
• 1.. (43)-Jones in his Presettt Stale, p. 31, refers also to the "excellent
springs of good water" in Williamsburg. ' .--., ■ (44)-The "magazine" was a "large octagon tower," used as "a reposi-
„, , tory of arms and ammunition," cf. Jones, Present Stale, p. 31. It is still
standing. ', (15)-Jones, Present Slate, p. 46, corroborates tliis statement. More
I sons would be sent to England, he says, "were they not afraid of the
, Small-Pox, which rrost commonly proves fatal to them."
(4G)-The governor of Virginia in 1702 was Col. Francis Nicholson.
:u
THE JOURNEY OF FRANCIS LOUIS MICHEL, 27
of the time, anned with carbines, pistols and swords. They are divided into cavalry or dragoon squadrons, and also some in- fantry. But they are very inexperienced in military training or manoeuvers, which are unheard of in this country, much less attended. There are indeed every year two and even three musters, when the guns are examined and the most necessary things are reviewed. At first there were fierce and numerous battles with the aborigines, namely the wild Indians. In par- ticular can I not pass by with silence how the country was first settled by Christians in the reign of Queen Elizabeth(47).
This happened as follows: The captain of a ship, whose name I have forgotten, sailed by this country. He made as careful inquiries as possible, saw the many kinds of lofty trees, the beautiful streams, the good soil and that there was an abundance of game, birds and fish. After his return [to England] he re- ported to the Queen that this was a very advantageous country to settle. In consequence of his elaborate report, the command was issued to gather together all the criminals, and who else had come into the land, in the whole kingdom, whose number was 400. They were taken on board of a ship, provided with all kinds of provisions, necessary for life and war. The ship left England in the year 1530 [15S5]. After the lapse of several months they made a safe landing in this country. They took along their provisions, arms and ammunition. They were shown where they were to settle and build their cabins. They were commanded to stay together there and to guard the place with breastworks or pallisades, so that, if something should happen, they could defend themselves better. They were promised that they would be visited again within a year and the additional promise was made that they could rely upon the favor and assistance of the Queen. They were well satisfied with that and began to build their cabins. Meanwhile the ship returned to England, after the settlers had been provided with a
(47)-The following story of the three expeditions must be based on oral statements, which Michel heard. It is too inaccurate to go back to any printed history. It is an interesting instance of how tradition dis- torts history. The story is an echo of the three colonies sent out under Raleigh, 1585-1589. Sec Beverley, History, Book I, pp. 1-10; Winsor, Crilical History,, Vol. Ill, pp. 105-120.
28 ■'' VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE. '
physician, with the report that they [the settlers] had been safely landed and that there was no apprehension that after a year's time they would not be found alive and in good condition. Meanwhile they gathered up in England all persons, who were dangerous and burdensome to the country, about 800 of them, who like the first were supplied with all kinds of provisions and implements. With these they sailed, upon the order of the Queen, in two ships, to strengthen the above meniioned 400, and to make a beginning with a new colony. They had a long and troublesome journey. But finally they landed, expecting to encamp with the above-mentioned settlers, in order to learn from them how they had fared thus far. To their great con- sternation they found no one, not even a trace of their labors. They were much surprized and fearful that there might be Indians near by. They concluded to supply themselves with provisions for several days and, following the river, to march into the country, in the hope of finding a trace of their people. But they were unable to find anything" except an immense quan- tity of game of all kinds. Finally they saw from a mountain smoke and thought they might find there what they were looking for, namely their people. But when they reached the place they found nothing but a large fire that had been made there, around which they found game and other th'.igs. From these and other indications they were able to conclude that the Indians had been there. They then believed that their people had been surprized by the Indians. In time they learned that they had been killed by the InQians(48), for, when they fought with them later, they found many things among the Indians which had been taken from the four hundred.
Then the others withdrew after this discovery, hoping that if they would attack them again, they could take vengeance for their lost people. They enclosed their settlement at once with pallisades. At the same time several small pieces of cannon from the ship were left with them, which they placed in the most favorable position. They also kept good watch. The ship,
(4S)-The first colony was taken back to England by .Sir Francis Drake, but when Sir Walter Raleigh sent the ne.xt expedition which did not find tliem, he thought they were all destroyed by the Indians. Beverly, Hii,tory, Book I, p.' 9.
nojufi. J
THE JOURNEY OF FRANCIS LOUIS MICHEL. 29
after leaving the people in a good position and after promising to return in a little time with further assistance, left the land, after commending them to the protection of the Most High. They returned safely to England, and reported how they had found matters. Meanwhile the Indians came again to surprize the settlers at night, but they met such a reception that many of them were left on the place. Afterwards they returned no naore.
In England meanwhile a third expedition of volunteers and others, men as well as women, was fitted out on four ships. They all arived safely in this country among their people, which caused rejoicing on both sides. They undertook at once an expcdiiion against the Indians, whom they defeated several times, althougli they were frequently the weaker party. Of this I could write more at length, but I shall endeavor to be brief. From that time on more people were imported yearly, and tlicy also increase here. The country has expanded in such a manner that it is surprizing. It will also continue to enlarge every year, because there is no lack of land. The farther they push inland, the better and more productive the soil is found to be.
Regarding the military equipment it should be mentioned that, since three years ago, warships lie at anchor not far from Ouiqucdam. Whenever pirates are noticed they must, accord- ing to miiiitar) orders, attend to their duty. They are usually two to four in number.
Now as to the condition of the land. It consists of hills, vaHcys and plains, which arc by nature covered with high trees, whose kinds and names I shall soon mention. The soil is mostly light and partly sandy, except at Manigkinton, where it is black and heavy. The aborigines, namely the Indians, had reason to choose this place for their settlement. Their city, called Manikinton by them, stood there. To-day there is a red, rough stone, standing four feet out of the ground, where at certain times they held religious services, as they supposed. What has become known to me of their religious beliefs, I shall report, when I describe their arrival in Williamsburg. Beside the above mentioned stone there are also mulberry and peach
■f3© . VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
'u^ 1' trees planted there. About thirty years ago they still dwelt
.-■\ '• there. But when they inflicted some injury upon the Christians,
"•■''••- ' Colonel Bomn(49), who is still alive and who was then living
on the frontier, namely at Falensgrig [Falling Creek], as soon
as he heard of this ravage, mounted at once his company (he was
then captain) and attacked the Indians boldly (who had prom-
•. . ised obedience but had not kept it) . He soon overcame them
after some resistance and put all of them to the sword, without
v; sparing any one. He also destroyed their settlement and what-
.. ever they owned. For this service the then king of England
granted him the whole district between his land and this place,
which extends twenty -five miles in length and eighteen miles in
width. Those Indians who were not at home or escaped, still
camp during the summer not far from their former home.
Regarding the fruitfulness of the country it may be said that almost everything grows that is put into the ground. Es- pecially tobacco is the principal article there, with which trade is carried on. It passes for money, because gold and silver are seldom seen there, especially among the common people. All purchases or payments are made in tobacco. It is planted in such quantities that this year 150 ships, large and small, but not more than twenty small ones among them, left the country laden with tobacco. Merchants pass up and down through the country. They have their store houses or magazines filled with all kinds of goods which are needed there. When the inhabi- tants need something, they go to the nearest merchant, who gives them what they want. It is recorded according to agreement. When the tobacco is ripe, the merchant arrives to take what is
(49)-Prof. von Mulinen has very kindly verified the reading of this nan-ie. The original, he says, has undoubtedly Bornn It is, however, probable that Michel misunderstood the name or failed to remember ot correctly. He describes an event that happened before his time. • "Col. Born" is probably intended for Col. Wm. Byrd, who owned much
land on Falling Creek, though he lived at the site of the present Rich- mond. He received no such grant as Michel describes; but in April IG79, ! ! I the General Assembly granted him a tract of land five miles long and three miles wide lying on both sides of James River at the falls, on condition that he kept 50 armed men there as settlers. It is possible, though not , ■ at all probable, that Michel may refer to Col. Wm. Claiborne, who thou'/h he neither owned land nor resided near Falling Creek, was a dis- tinguished Indian fighter. There was a certificate of his valor, dated March 17, 1G77, formerly on record at King William C. H.
.S;
0?'
THE JOURNEY OF FRANCIS LOUIS MICHEL. 31
coming to birn. A hundred [pounds] are usually reckoned at twenty shillings. When the rainy season comes, the tobacco is packed .solidly, one leaf above the other, into a barrel which holds or weighs from 700 to 1000 pounds. It is a laborious job, demanding much care. Tobacco is planted after the soil has been prepared. Then with a broad hoe the soil is loosened on top and made into round little heaps, six feet apart. It is planted in rainy weather. When it is fully grown it spreads so much that all the plants touch each other. It grows best in new il, but tlie land miust be very good if it is to bear tobacco for L.vcnty years. However, it is not done. Hence the in- habitants do not live close together and the country is not settled in villages, because every twenty or thirty years new ground must be broken. A settler who has a piece of land, di- vides it into tbiree parts, the first for tobacco and com, the second and third parts as meadows for his cattle and as forest, if he needs wood. When the tobacco field does not want to bear any more, he sows com in its place. After six or eight years it does not yield com any more. Then he lets it lie fallow and takes up the second part and so forth. A workman must plant yearly from 15 to 2000 pounds of tobacco, besides six or eight barrels of corn.
As to corn, the "Wirden"(50) or Turkish com is grown in most cases. It is so productive that it yields fifty to a hundred fold. It makes pretty good bread. It is also pounded and cooked, called liumin [hominy]. Its flour is taken arid cooked thick in water. Then it is put into milk. It is mostly the food of servants. The flour is also frequently taken and a thick dough is made out of it with water. Then, by means of a hot fire and many coals, it is baked in a little while(51). When the com is planted, a small hole is made and three or four grains are put into it. Then they are covered with ground. Like the tobacco they are always planted six feet apart. This grain is
(50)-This is the reading of the word, as confirmed by Prof, von Mulinen after renewed examination. What it means is not known to the trans- lator. Pie tlicught at first of "Welsh" com. Eut the original appar- ently does not adm.it of that interpretation.
(51)-This corn bread was called pone or ponn, cf. Beverley, History, Book IV. p. 55f; Falkner, Curieuse Aacl:ricf:t Von Pennsylvania, 1702, p. 28 (see Proceedings of the Pennsylvania Gcrm.an Society, Vol. XIV, p. 143).
ii
x.
18
32 VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
!'• ''• '■ raised in great quantities and is used for people and cattle. The stalks grow over ten and even fourteen feet high and are ■ v. very thick. They bear usually from two to four ears, while
there are three or four stalks to a hole. Throughout the sum- mer the weeds must be removed from time to time, as in the case of the tobacco. The ordinary price of this com is two shillings a bushel, or about two measures as used here [in Swit- zerland]. ': ■ The other kind is wheat, which is planted by every family for
'"■' ' its use, in such places where the cattle have been penned in at t'' night. After they have been in a field for three or four weeks,
'■>■' '' ■' they are moved to another field. In this way the soil is fer- ■ ' • tilized, for no other manure is used. This grain bears twenty- >; ■ five fold. It is planted as in our country and it costs in ordinary
years three or four shillings per bushel.
Barley and oats are also planted and they turn out well usually. The inhabitants pay little attention to garden plants, except lettuce, although most everything grows here. But fresh seeds must be imported every year from Europe, for, if the seed of this country is planted, it turns into the wild kind again.
The custom of the country, when the harvest is to be gathered in, is to prepare a dinner, to which the neighbors are invited, and for which two men have sufficient work to do. There are often from thirty to fifty persons cutting grain, so that fre- quently they have work for only two hours
This is one of the principal festivals or times of reioicing. When I was unable to travel at one time, because of the rain, I stayed at a house, where they intended to cut wheat that day. When everything was ready to receive the guests at noon, it looked in the morning as if the weather was going to be favor- able. Ten persons had already arrived, when the weather changed and turned into a violent rain, so that the hope to har- vest in a few days came to nothing. Fresh m.eat cannot be kept in summer longer than twenty-four hours, hence the good pco]5le were compelled, if they did not want to let the sheep and chicken, which they had prepared, spoil, to entertain us, which lasted for a day and a half.
7"i(H.
THE JOURNEY OF FRANCIS LOUIS MICHEL. 33
Fruit trees are growing in great abundance. I shall describe them according to their several kinds. The apple trees are very numerous, most of them not very large nor high, like pear trees. But they are exceedingly fruitful. I was at many places this year, where I could not estimate the large quantities which were rotting. They are the nicest apples that can be seen. There is a kind somewhat earlier than the others, they are called Cattalines. They are pointed and of a sour taste. The sum- mer cider is made of them. A later kind is valued more highly and, like the first, cider is made of them, which keeps longer than the other. The gallon or four quarts cost one bit or four Batzen(52), according to our coin. It is drunk mostly during the winter. As the common man does not have good cellars, this drink cannot be kept during the summer, but it turns sour. There are also pears of all kinds, but they are not as common as the apples. There are several kinds of peaches, and in such quantities that people cannot eat the fourth part of them. :. The rest is fed to the pigs. It should be noted that this fruit ripens in a few days. Cherries, especially the cultivated cherries, are found in great abundance, where they are planted. Good wine is made of them.
All kinds of berries grow in the wilderness and also on the plantations, in such abundance that it cannot be estimated. There are also many different kinds, namely of black and white color. The best are brown, long and large. This berry is largely eaten by pigs and birds. Whoever has a desire for berries, does not need to buy them or ask for them, for the abundance is so great that no one pays any attention to them, nor are they used very much, because people do not want to take the trouble to pick them, as they have enough other food.
There are also plums, but they are not common. Also many other kinds of fruit, but they are not known to me. There is, especially among the garden plants, a certain kind of beans, not unlike the Turkish, which is planted with the Indian com (53) It grows up along the stalks and is very productive. It is
(52)-A bit is worth 123^ cents, according to Webster, and a Batzen is a Swiss nickel coin of the value of ten centimes or two cents.
(5.'5)-The bean planted with the com. "upon whose stalk it sustains it- self," is also mentioned by Beverly, History, Book II, p. 29.
^
Tllil '-Ki fjUlR
«^d.t nt wo
i*.! )L
34 VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
nourishing food. There is another kind which creeps on the ground. There are also different kinds of peas, planted in the gardens, but growing also outside of them. Besides, there are potatoes in great quantities and many kinds of melons. Some are cooked, others, like the water melons, are eaten raw, since this fmit is very refreshing in the hot summer because' of its cool, sweet juice. They are grown in great quantities and one can get as many as he desires.
The water is no less prolific, because an indescribably large number of big and little fish are found in the many creeks, as well as in the large rivers. The abundance is so great and they are so easily caught that I was much surprized. Many fish are dried, especially those that are fat. Those who have a line can catch as many as they please. Most of them are caught with the hook or the spear, as I know from personal experience, for when I went out several times with the line, I was surprized that I could pull out one fish after another, and, through the clear water I could see a large number of all kinds, whose names are unknown to me. They cannot be compared with our fish, except the herring, which is caught and dried in large numbers! Thus the so-called catfish^is not unlike the large turbot. A very good fish and one easily caught is the eel, also like those here [in Switzerland]. There is also a kind like the pike. They have a long and pointed mouth, with which they like to bite into the hook. They are not wild, but it happens rarely that one can keep them on the line, for they cut it in two with their sharjj teeth. We always had our harpoons (54) and gims with us \\ hen we went out fishing, and when the fish cam.e near we shot at them or harpooned them. A good fish, which is com- mon and found in large numbers, is the porpcise. They are so large lliat by their unusual leaps, especially when the weather changes, they make a great noise and often cause anxiety for the small boats or canoes. Especially do they endanger those that 1 athe. Once I cooled and amiused myself in the water v.ith s\Nin-m.irg, rot knovii^g that there was any danger, but
(54)-Michel uses here the peculiar Swiss word "guerre." which accord in^'to Prof, vcn A'ruhncn, is still used today, in the'form of "Gchr" or Licer, for a harpoon or spear.
•V
• nn i :' ■ <{»
-v,] -n-
|V ■.>2^^4i
THE JOURNEY OF FRANCIS LOUIS MICHEL. 35
my host infonned me that there was. This is only a small part of what could be told about the fish there, but I could not learn everything in the short time I was there. The [larger] waters and especially the tributaries are filled with turtles. They show themselves in large numbers when it is warm. Then they come to the land or climb up on pieces of wood or trees lying in the water. When one travels in a ship, their heads can be seen everywhere coming out of the water. The abundance of oysters in incredible. There are whole banks of them so that the ships must avoid them. A sloop, which was to land us at Kingscreek, struck an oyster bed, where we had to wait about two hours for the tide. They surpass those in England by far in size, indeed they are four times as large. I often cut them in two, before I could put them into my mouth. The inhabitants usually catch them on Saturday. It is not troublesome. A pair of wooden tongs is needed. Below they are wide, tipped with iron. At the time of the ebb they row to the beds and with the long tongs they reach down to the bottom. They pinch them together tightly and then pull or tear up that which has been seized. They usually pull from six to ten times. In summer they are not very good, but unhealthy and can cause fever.
There are frogs in the water, which at night all together, make a v^'onderful noise. Indeed, if one is not acquainted with it, it soimds as if the noise or sound was made by people. In the large waters of the wilderness there is a very large kind. When they call, their voice can be compared to the bellowing of an ox. It is not the same but as deep and audible as far. I saw one on the other side of the water at Manigkinton, which was a foot long, with an awful head or mouth(55). When he jumped into the water there was a splash as if one had thrown a pretty large stone into the water. There are also water snakes and all kinds of costly animals, which live in the water, such as beavers,
(55)-This sounds incredible. But Beverley in his History, Book IV, p. 613, tells of a similar story: "Last year I found one of these .bull-frogs near a Stream of fresh water, of so prodigious a Magnitude, that when I extended its Leggs, I found the distance betwixt them, to be seventeen Inches and a half. I am confident six French-Men might have made a comfortable Meal of its Carcase."
•., r-
^v
zt
jfa 1
•^fa as ?'i
V.> : Jil! J, f;
1 It.
■.! s
36 . ,; VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
Otters and muskrats, which smell very agreeably. I left two in England. The Indians shoot many of these animals. By means of rum or other more insignificant things one can get them from them. They can afterwards be sold advantageously in London, especially the beavers, of which castors(56) are made in part.
Now I shall again turn to the land and report what animals are found there, first of all the tame animals. The horses, like the English breed, are very lightfooted. They never ride them in a walk, but always in a gallop, as if a deer was running. They are very ccmm.on. It must be a poor man who cannot afford one. Not many people can be seen traveling on foot, even if it is only an hour's distance. They are seldom used to draw wagons or the plow, because the nature of the country does not demand it. They cost from three to eight pounds of sterling.
Horned cattle are found in large numbers, so that in summer time much mulk is used. Butter is also made, as much as is needed. But m.ost of the people know nothing of cheese. There were a few who undertook to make it. It was good but could not be ccmipared to ours. The common farmer has usually frcm ten to forty heads of cattle. The gentlemen have about a hundred. There is little trouble taken with cattle, be- cause they are left the whole year on the meadows. Not even a stable is built for them, but they are driven into pens, as stated above, in order to fertilize the ground, where wheat is to be planted. No hay is stored, for the wmter is not like ours, and even if it snows a little or is cold, it passes away in a few days. It is true the poor cattle are at times half frozen and starved, as I have seen in spring by their bodies. But when the weather is severe, they are given corn. The north wind is said to blow very cold. But such weather does not last long, as soon as the south wind ccmes it is warm again.
Pigs arc found there in such numbers that I was aston- ishcd(57). Thcv arc not large, but increase so rapidly that
(56)-Castors are hats made of beaver fur. The Latin word for beaver is castor.
(,'37)-Bcverky {Hislcry. Book IV, p. SI) puts it more pieturesquely when he says: "Hog,s swarm like vcrm.in upon the earth, insomuch tha't when an inventory of a considerable Man's Estate is taken by the E.xecu- tors, the Hogs arc left cut and not listed in the Appraiscm.ent."
ii
THE JOURNEY OF FRANCIS LOUIS MICHEL. 37
their number becomes large in a short time. Their meat or pork is considered by everybody as the best and most delicate. Many are taken every year alive to England. As they are fed with nuts, acorns, berries, apples and corn, they cannot be less than the best. They must be better than those which are fed with poorer food. This is shown by the Carolina ham, which smells after fish, because the pigs there are fed with fish. The pigs cause no care, as they are always left in the woods near the house or not far away. They find their food throughout the whole year. They often do not come home in eight weeks. But many are lost when they run off into the wilderness. On the frontiers the bears do some damage. Each farmer has his mark, with v;liich he marks their ears.
Sheep are raised in constantly increasing numbers. They thrive well. But, as the necessary workmen are wanting to use the wool, they are kept only for their meat('58).
Turkeys, geese, ducks and chickens are very common. As to the game, this land is a real zoological garden, filled to overflow- ing with all kinds of animals. They might justly be called half wild, because they do not fight shy of man.
In the first place, stags are very plentiful, deer also. Bears are found in large numbers. They are not vicious, hence they are shot without fear. Then there are wild boars and wild horses; also raccoons, fierce animals like wild cats but larger; and the "monac"(50), an animal, unknown in this country [Switzer- land] and not much larger than a cat, but of a different kind. We had one on our ship, on the return journey, but it died. Foxes and hares are much smaller than in this country, fox- squirrels are also numerous, but are more than four times larger than here and not of the color found here, but grey; also another kind of squirrel, like those above, but smaller. Furthermore, ground-squirrels, but they are very small and of brown color, more like mice. The fourth and last kind are bats, very small
(58)-This statement is corroborated by Beverley, History, Book IV, p. 64. The deficiency was, however, soon supplied. In 1721 Jones men- tions (Present Slate, p. 41) wool from Leominster being "near as good as any."
(59)-The monac or moonack, is according to Webster, a word of Indian oriL;in (cf. Delaware, monachgen). It is a dialectical word used for the woodchuck or groundhog, the marmota monax.
38 . VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
and pretty, of brown color, but with white belly. They fly only in the evening or at night. Instead of wings they have skin over their toes which they spread when they fly.
The feathered game is very common and tame. The first is properly the eagle. Then comes the turkey, whose number is very great. It is a large bird, which weighs from twenty to forty pounds. Many of them are shot because of the fine meat. The first two which I met in the woods, I thought I could over- take with running without shooting them. But when I came near them, they ran so fast that I could not catch up with them. Finally they flew away. Wild geese and ducks, together with all kinds of snipes and waterfowl, are very numerous during the winter season. They are unlike those here [in Switzerland] in size and color. They are not wild. No hunter will shoot at one or two of them, but they are hunted in uncounted numbers. Patiidges are also numerous and tame. It is not an uncommon sight to see them eating with the chickens. They are smaller, but excel them in the fineness of their meat. I was surprized to see them sitting on trees and hear them sing. I have shot many of them for their good meat and because they are found everywhere, but never only one of them. Regarding the others I must confess that I do not know their names, because they are not like the European birds. One species Is as large as a finch, of scarlet color, another is blue, others green and others have variegated colors, wonderfully mixed. Then there is a little bird, somewhat larger than a hornet, which always hovers over flowers(60). When one looks at its wonderful colors, one cannot help being surprized. Another kind is also worthy of observation, because it has aurora color mixed with red. The noxious birds are like a species of blackbird, which do not a little damage when the com is sown and cut. They come in incredibly large numbers. At such times the fields must be guarded. But that docs not help much. When they are chased from one field they fly to another. They fear people hardly at all. Hence it happens that fields must often be sown three times. They even pick it out of the ground after it has sprouted. The most valuable species, because of their song,
(60)-The humming bird is meant.
.,f.....T. .-'
^nr )
THE JOURNEY OF FRANCIS LOUIS MICHEL. 39
are the "mocketbort" [mocking bird], which are sold in England for two guineas and more. They can be compared to the nightingale, because, they change their sweet song in many different ways. They are not unlike a shrike (61). The "noise- maker" comes to the houses in spring. He screams at night with such a loud voice and so continuously that, if one is not accustomed to it, one can hardly sleep. I could catch a sight of many other species and still others I have forgotten.
Poisonous animals did not become known to me, except the so-called rattle snakes, a species which is large and much feared. They stay most generally at swampy places. When angry they rattle with their tail as if it were a bell. When they bite any- body he has to die. There is no help for him. Only the Indians know the secret, but they don't want to make it known (62). If one can come to them in time, they can cure him at once. At one occasion I traveled with some others from Manigkinton on a wet, rainy day. Seven miles from that place we came across such a snake in the forest, l^ing on the road. We had not seen any thus far. As we were looking at it, it rattled with the tail as wiih a bell (63), and, since we had heard that such were of the dangerous kind, we went back and intended to avoid it. Then it rose partly on its tail and we thought that it would attack us every moment. One man who was with me ran off. I had my gun ready to fire, but, as there was only one bullet in it, I was afraid to miss. Hence I turned slowly away. There is another large snake, but it is not poisonous like the one just mentioned. It is so delicate that one needs only to strike it gently on the head with a slick to kill it instantly.
In the hottest part of summer it is troublesom.e to travel because of vermin (64). Hence no one can lie or sleep on the
(61 )-Michel uses here the Swiss word "Dorn-Aegerste," which, accord- ing to Prof, vcm Miilinen, is the great "shrike," the Lanius excubitor.
(62)-Beverlcy, History Book IV, p. 04, says on the contrary that "the remedies are so well known that none of their servants are ignorant of them." At another place (Book II, p. 23) he mentions Rattle-Snake- Root, as effectually curing the bite of a rattle snake.
(63)-The peculiar Swiss word "Rollin" is here used by Michel, which, according to Prof, von Miilinen, is a kind of a bell.
(64)-The san:e fact is expressed more strikingly by Beverly, History, Book IV, p. 62:"'.A11 annoyances and inconveniences of the Country n'ay fairly be summed up under these three Heads, Thunder, Heat and troub- lesome Vermin."
40-;, .M. VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE. • ;
'one ground, because so many vermin have crawled over the same, since the creation, that it is poisoned so to speak, for experience
,' ... shows that those who work with bare feet in new soil are often
t . . poisoned all over.
',,,.. In summer the mosquitoes are very annoying. Rains are
usually warm and the sun has such power that, when something is planted, it grows in a short time. It is astonishing to see a . : , thing, half grown or half ripe one day, reaching ripeness in a few days. The fruits are all ripe much earlier than in this country [Switzerland]. But this year everything has been very late compared with other years. The trees began to blossom in April. Half of June, July and August were very hot, so that one thought the air was on fire in some places and people were parched with thirst. But the cool springs are very refreshing at that time. Their water is not inferior to ours. If one desires a drink at that time, half a vessel of cold water is taken, sugar is put in with some vinegar and nutmeg, together with some good glasses full of rum. At times they mix in some lemon. It is a good drink. One could easily get drunk from it. It is called Pons [punch]. A tanl<ard or half quart costs from four to six "Batzen."
Thc-y have also severe thunderstorms, such as we saw this year in June at Yorktown, when a ship, lying there at anchor, was covered with waves, which broke over the deck. The car- penter was in the sailor's cabin, the door was locked. There were two loopholes in the wall. Against one he placed his shoulder, which became black and burnt by the heat. At the other hole lay his axe, whose head was melted by the heat, which many people came to see(65). : : TciTible winds, called hurricanes frequently come with such
violence and force that people often fear that houses and trees will have to give way. But they are soon over. One can see and hear them come. Corn and other grain is often blown ofT . ■ the fields. The winter is not long nor cold. Not much snow
falls. The cattle, as stated before, can stay outside, on the ' ' _ meadows, all the time, because they do not make hay. The north wind is said to be very cold in winter, but it does not last (65)-This is of course a sailor's yam.
..-• I
,-. jS, /■ . .i ,. . _'• )"•
iitOi fh-j'.i --'io'.
A W
?Li .'>j.)/;I.( ■>d ?.I0
•jy iii.j :)fji;
OjIJ mo .:jf.l.i\> y<,(p jf
THE JOURNEY OF FRANCIS LOUIS MICHEL. 41
long. As soon as the south wind blows it is warm again. One can see trees split and bent through the cold. But it does not stay so long. During that time they make huge fires in the big fire places. There is as much wood as one desires at the door(G6).
Regarding wild [forest] trees, it may be said justly that none can be found which are superior to them. I rightly regai-d as first the cedar tree, which is very common. The governor of late fenced in a garden. The trees were all cedars, whose wood is very durable. There is, furthermor, a kind of wood or spice, of saffran color, whose name I have forgotten. This wood is cut into chips. They are cooked afterwards and drunlc. Every year much of it is exported to England. The tall, wild nut trees [walnuts] are very useful for building purposes, if fine work is desired. It is of brown color. This tree bears a fruit like our beech trees, but larger. It cannot be opened without a nail. The pigs usually eat them. There are chestnuts at some places, but they are small. The most numerous and the largest trees are the oaks. There are also very tall and straight red pines. White pines I have not seen, and also only one beech tree. The little boats, called canoes, are usually a trunk of a tree hollowed out. From six to ten persons can ride in them comfortably. Besides the trees mentioned there are many other species unknown to me by name. They blossom beautifully. Some of them are not like the trees here either in wood or in foliage, nor are they difficult to cut. The branches do not start way down the trunk, but far up. On one occasion a sloop or canoe came from Carolina. It was made of one piece, its size was astonishing. It had two sails and carried forty barrels of pork. The forests are very convenient to ride or hunt in. The trees are far apart, with no undergrowth on the ground, so that one can ride anywhere on horseback. The game is easily dis- covered, because of the openness of the forest. The hunting of the Indians helps not a little to clear the forests and pastures.
(60j-Almost the identical expression is used by Beverley, History, Book II, p. 9: "Wood grows at every Man's Door."
(67)-This "fire hunting" of the Indians is described more at length by Beverley, History, Book II, p. 39.
i* Yawauoi aii'
f;. I .1.
.:-%[ i.: >ton
42 * I "'""' VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
It takes place in October, in the following manner(67) : From twenty to forty persons and often more gather and make a circle, assigning to each a certain section in the circle. After- wards each sets fire to the foliage and underbrush, which through the heat is dried up. The flames devour everything before them, until finally the area is much narrowed and the game, fleeing before the fire and the smoke, is driven together to a small space, around which the hunters stand, shooting down everything. Then they take only the skins and as much of the meat as they need. The rest they leave to decay. This is their great hunt. They are good shots. They do not hold the rifle as we do. Their left hand takes hold of the barrel as far for- ward as possible. Thus they direct it mostly with the left hand. I shall soon report more about them.
The wild horses are hunted (68) in April and May, at the time of the year when, being famished after the winter, they fill themselves with the fresh grass to such an extent that they be- come lazy and are unable to run. The English place their best horses for four or five weeks into the stable, feed them with oats. Then they mount and ride their horses in companies while they hunt them. They are soon found, because they run about in large numbers. As soon as they are sighted, they are chased. They can stand the running for some time, but are finally overtaken by the horses that have been fed with oats. They are then caught, kept for a time with the tame horses and broken in. They develop great endurance. They are grey, but not quite as tall as the others. Their meat is good to eat. They are also caught in pits. When it is known v/hich way they go to the water, a deep pit is dug, which is covered slightly. When the horse passes over it, it falls down and can't get out again, until it is bound with ropes and pulled out. There are people who make their living by this practice.
Turtles of different kinds are found in the woods. They are
gathered and eaten by the negroes or slaves. The largest
which I have seen was like a small hat in circumference. They
(68)-The hunting of wild horses, "which young people take great de- light in," is also described by Beverley, History, Book IV, p. 75f.
, f >' 'a
TioiL* •>• {T .iTin '>* :;!diinu oifi
nin voiit >:;:tifi'JO(i .o^Lot nooa 9xr. "(o^iT .^
- .'fit/.' r iij vd
:?! Iu.t gi^ ^j
i/i ;'S)
J . THE JOURNEY OF FRANCIS LOUIS MICHEL. 43
are of various colors and very beautiful. There is especially a small species, which is found in large numbers on roads, mostly of a yellow color. They are most beautifully decorated. I took one of them with me and used it on board of ship as a drinking cup.
This is the small amount of information which I can give about things in general. There are many other facts regarding them unlcnown to me. \-':\' oy '^\..,\ ":,i
(To be Continued)
'^l-' .% i';i' T •-■' :■ :,.;:''(t Stp.-;i-<' J:. ti;>C
rh.:»! , 1^ ' ■> • ■ :iv '- X .--in. • ]., :, '
;:). ;■ ■ ■ • ._ t -' ■ ■ ; .lu/io, i'-; .
'■.<■•.:':: ; :. r'-;.- , : : .,_, >n./ .-> ■■"-.;•. ':• ■; ' _^' . ■J.^w-u. ■•',
■' . -. " ■ t-Tn-.' '..i,J> L,. >;-jjt'.. v. ;'-■>;•
" •■■ ' ' '.' 'i '■■■' i '.M ' '^1' ;,,■')..■.:,.: ..•
.. : ):■...■:-'■ . '/ ' ... '■■. 'I. • . ■ Avit-y .: .. ' ■ ■
I ■. 2T • ■ ^ orii.'
,■ I ■',
'.•J f"
1o
V.J
44 . ., VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
THE VIRGINIA FRONTIER IN fflSTORY— 1778.
By David I. Bushnell, Jr.
IV. Events Leading to the Treaty of Fort Pitt
The winter of 1777-1778 was one of the darkest periods in the history of the western frontiers of Virginia and Pennsylvania. The death of Cornstalk on November 10 had caused his followers to assume a more restive attitude, and thus endangered the scattered settlements beyond the Blue Ridge. Northward, on the border of Pennsylvania, small bands of hostile warriors reached the settlements eastward from Fort Pitt and did great damage: destroying property and killing the settlers. About this time a letter was sent by Col. Lochry, Lieutenant of the county of Westmoreland, to Thomas Wharton (1) setting forth the grave perils surrounding the outlying posts. The original letter is in the Library of Congress (Pennsylvania State Papers, No. 09, Vol. 1, folio 437). The letter follows:
"Honoured Sir:
"The distressed situation of our country is such that we have no prospect but desolation and destruction. The whole coun- try on the north side of the road, from the allegany mountains, is all kept close in forts, and can get no subsistance from their plantations. — they have made application to us, requesting to be put under pay and receive rations; and as we can see no other way to keep the people from flying and letting the country be evacuated, we were obliged to adopt their measures, requesting your excellency to give the necessary orders to enable us to put them in execution — if these very measures is not adopted I see no other method that can secure the people from giving up the country — these people, whilst they support these frontier posts,
1-Thomas Wharton was born in 1735, and died May 22, 1778. On March 5, 1777 he was inaugurated as President of Pennsylvania and held that office until his death.
.SM.-
«'m'A . i^mab
1
!
r 1 10 j/i'i/Ic-jT^ Hi'.
VIRGINIA FRONTIER IN HISTORY. 46
are certainly serving the publick, and certainly cannot continue long so to do, unless supported by the publick. Lieutenant Colonel Charles Campble and four other persons are made prisoners on the waters of black legs creek, (2) four other men killed and scalped near the same place, one man kil'd near Wallaces(3) fort on conemaugh; eleven others person killed and scalped at Palmers(4) fort and near Ligonier, amongst which is Ensign Wood. At the place where Colo. Campble was made prisoner four rascally proclamations was left by the savages, by the Governor of detroit, requesting all persons to come to him or any other of the governors occupied by his majestys troops, and they should receive pay and lodgings as they rank with us. Every private for encouragement to have two hundred acres of land. In short there is very few days there is not some Murder committed on some part of our frontiers. If your excellency will please to adopt our meastires and give the necessary orders for putting them in execution, I hope with divine assistance, we shall be able to hold the country till we are enabled by the more effectual measures ; that is carry- ing on an expedition in their country. We have likewise ven- tured to erect two Stockade forts at Ligonier and Hanna'stown at the public expence, with a store house in each, to secure both publick and prviate property in, and be a place of retreat for the suffering frontiers in case of necessity; which I flatter myself will meet with your excellencys approbation — and beg leave to subscribe myself Your excellencys
"Westmoreland, 4*^^ Nov. 1777 most Obliged
To his excellency most humble servant
Thomas Wharton, jr. Pres. A. Lochry. Lieut"
2-ln The American Gazetteer, by Jedidiah Morse, Boston, 1797, is the following brief note which may refer to this creek: "Black Lick, lie? in Westmoreland co. Pennsylvania, about 3G miles E. of Pittsburg."
3-Wallace's Fort. "The Fort was erected on the farm of Richard Wallace, who was one of the first settlers in that part of Derry township in Westmoreland county, which lay between the old Forbe.'^ road and the Conemaugh river. * * * This fort was the place of resort and refuge for the inhabitants of the frontiers l.sing north of the Old Road and east of Hannastown and Fort Hand al! through the Revolution; and particularly for those who lived along the Conemaugh river and north of that as far as settlements were made." Report of the Commissioners to locate the site of the Frontier Forts of Pennsylvania, 1S9G. Vol. II, p. 344 ct seq.
4-P.nlmer's fort, or stockade, stood in Fairfield township, Westmore- land countv.
^
■:'■ ,f: 'I.
oi byiuJ
46 VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
In the same volume of manuscripts is a communication from
; , the Council of Safety to the Delegates in Congress, in which
reference is made to the receipt of the preceding letter. It is
dated from Lancaster, November 14, 1777, and from it the
following quotations are made:
"Sir: , "This Council is applied to by the people of the County of
Westmoreland in this Commonwealth with the most alarming Complaints of Indian Depredations. The letter of which the inclosed is a copy will give you some Idea of their present situa- tion. We are further informed by verbal accounts, that an Extent of 60 Miles has been evacuated to the savages, full of Stock, Com, Hoggs & Poultry, that they had attacked Palmer's Fort about 7 miles distant from Fort Ligonier(5) without success; and from the infonnation of White Eyes(6) and others :, circumstances; it is feared Fort Ligonier has by this time been attacked. There is likewise reason to fear the Savages will , . extend to Bedford county and along the frontiers. We shall
order out the Militia of Bedford county and take such other steps as may be immediately necessary for the relief of these settlements, but we find they are greatly deficient in the article of aiTns, and especially ammunition and flints. In fort Lig- . . onier, when our informants left it, there was not more than forty
poimds of powder and fifteen pounds of lead, flints are sold at a : , ^ dollar a piece. We know not the situation of Gen. Hand, (7) ^v . , his forces or his views; but we have reserv^ed the militias of Bed- 1 . , ford & Westmoreland, for the purpose of co-operating with him ., ,, ,;. in those parts of the states, & the neighbourhood."
The letter from the Council of Safety was refeiTcd to a com- mittee in congress which reported six days later. A copy of the report was immediately sent to Virginia. This copy of the
5-"Fort Ligonier lies on the road from Philadelphia to Pittsburg; 266 miles from the former and 54 from the latter, and 9 miles from the E. ' -^Z • side of Laurel Hill." (Morse, Jedidiah, op. cit.) A fort had been 1 erected here by the British during the French and Indian war.
6-White Eyes, a chief of the Delaware and friend of the Americans. He was succeeded by Killbuck.
7-General Edward Hand was at this time in command of the Western Department, with headquarters at Fort Pitt.
.aKi5f>
VIRGINIA FRONTIER IN HISTORY. '• ' "47
report, together with Governor Henry's letter transmitting it to the General Assembly, are preserved in the Virginia State Library, Riclimond, and are given below: - ." ■
"Dec'5*M777 -
"Sir.
"I beg Leave to communicate to the general Assembly, the Resolutions of Congress & the letter from M"" Laurens, which accompany this. I also enclose you a Letter from General Washington & have the Honor to be
Sir "' ■ / - ■ ^ ■■
Your most obedient ' '
Servant
P. Henry"
On the back of the letter is the address: "The Hon'ble George Wythe Esq'', Speaker of the House of Delegates," and the sub- scription "Commissioners for indian affairs at Fort Pitt — Detroit."
The document received from Congress is in a perfect state of preservation, and is of great interest:
"In Congress: Nov^ 20: 1777 —
"The committee, to whom the letter of the 14 : from the coun- cil of safety of Pennsylvania & the letters from fort Pitt were refen-ed, report:
"That an inroad has been made on the Western frontiers of Virginia & Pennsylvania, by some savage tribes of Indians, wherein a number of helpless people have been cruelly mass- acred, & the pcaceble inhabitants driven from their homes, & reduced to great distress: That from a number of papers stiled proclamations, under the hand and seal of Henry Hamilton, lieut. gov' of fort Detroit, left by the Indians, where they com- mitted their murders, & of which there is one, now in the pos- session of the committee, as well as from other information & circi-imstances, it appears, that these savages have been insti- gated by the British agent and emissaries & particularly, by the said Henry Hamilton to this barbarous & murderous war —
"The committee apprehend. That so long as that post con- tinues to be garrisoned by British troops, who are restrained
\k
n: .-;(
'Pi
48 • - •■ VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
by no laws of humanity, from using every means to accomplish their purpose of subjugating these States, those frontiers will be incessantly exposed to the barbarous ravages of the Indian tribes under their influence. —
"That by means of the said agents & emissaries, a dangerous spirit of disaffection has been excited & formented, among some worthless & evil disposed persons on the said frontiers, who lost all sentiments of virtue, honor or regard for their country have been induced to aid our remorseless enemy. —
"That the Shawanese & Delawares continue well affected & disposed to preserve the league of peace & amity entered into with us for which reason they are threatened with an attack by their hostile neighbours, who have invaded us, & are at the same time exposed to danger from the attempts of ill disposed, or ill advised persons among ourselves. —
"Your committee therefore are of opinion. That for the safety & security of the frontiers, as well as to preserve the public faith of these United States plightes to our Indian allies, speedy & effectual measures ought to be taken to suppress the spirit of disaffection among our own deluded people — to repel & put a stop to the hostile invasion of our enemies — to protect ourlndian allies & confirm them in their good disposition & to remove, if possible, the cause from whence all the evils in that quarter arise : whereupon
"Resolved, That three commissioners be appointed to repair without delay to fort Pitt. That they be instructed to inves- tigate the rise, progress & extent of the disaffection in that quarter, & take measures for suppressing the same & bringing the deluded people to a sense of their duty.
"That the said commissioners be invested with full power to suspend for misconduct any officers in the service of the United States employed in that quarter & appoint others in their room, & confine in safe custody all such officers, against whom they shall have satisfactory proof of being offenders against the rights Sc liberties of America.
"That the said commissioners be directed to cultivate the fri(;ndship of the Shawanese & Delawares & prevent our people from committing any outrages against them.
UIV
(VL
nc
VIRGINIA FRONTIER IN HISTORY. , 49
"That they be impowered to engage as many of the Delaware & Shawanese warriors in the Service of the United States as they judge convenient.
''That they be impowered & directed, for effectually checking the progress of the enemy, to concert with brigadier general Hand, a plan of carrying the war into the enemy's country, & cause the same to be executed with all convenient dispatch.
"And in order to prevent such barbarous incursions for the future, that the said commissioners be impowered to cause the operations of ihe war to be extended against the British gar- rison at Detroit & its dependencies, provided the reduction of that fortress can in their opinion be effected at this season of the year, & the whole can be accomplished by a force not exceeding two thousand men, exclusive of Indian auxiliaries.
"That it be earnestly recommended to the legislative powers of Virginia & Pensylvania, to invest the commissioners with every necessary authority over their respective militias; to impower them to arrest and commit for tryal, such of their respective inhabitants on the Western frontiers as shall appear to have been concerned in any conspiracy or plot, against the United States, or otherwise to afford the said commissioners, such assistance, as shall be necessary in consequence of these resolves—
"Resolved, That the case of colonel Geo. Morgan be included in the business referred to the consideration of the commissioners Vi-ho are to be appointed for various purposes on the Western frontier, that in the mean while col. Morgan be restored to the a|:ipointm-cnt of agent for Indian affairs, & that he be appointed deputy-comm.issary-general of purchases in the Western district.
"Congress proceeded to the election of commissioners to pro- ceed to fort Pitt, & the ballots being taken, Colo. Samuel Wash- ington, Gabriel Jones Esq. & Col. Joseph reed were elected. Extract from the Minutes Chas. Thomson Secy. "(8)
8-Col. Samuel Washington, of '"Harewood," l^crkcley Co., Va., 2d sen of Augustine and Mary Washington, was born Nov. 14, 1734. He has many descendants. .j
_Gabriel Jones, of Augusta and Rockingham Counties, bom May 17, l/_'4, died O'.tober 1S06. He was long a distinguished lawyer, and was frcciuently in the House of Burgesses. Sec Waddcll's "Annals of Augusta County" 8I-S4. He married Mrs. Margaret (Strother) Mcrt-n and has descendants
Col. Joseph Reed, born at Trenton, N. J., Aug. 27, 1741. died in Phila- delphia, M;irch 5, 17^5. He was actively engaged during the Revolution and was tne close friend and confidential secretary of Gen. Washin;:ton.
Chas. Tliomson, of Pennsylvania, Secretary of Congress, 1774-17S9.
9^
-oi ,
-u.f .II
60 ' ' VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
The following letter, the original being in the Library of Congress, among the Papers of the Continental Congress (No. 56, folio 89), is self explanatory:
"Sir:
"His Excellency Patrick Henry Esq"" has been Pleased to apoint Colo. Saml. McDowell & my self in the Room of Saml. Washington & Gabriel Jones Esq"" who have Declined the apointmcnt of your Honourable Body on the 20^'' Nov' Last. The Inclemency of the Season has prevented us from Setting out on our Journey, but should the weather Permitt we purpose going on mxcnday the 23*^ Ins* & hope to be at Pitsburg in Ten days after y* time, where we shall Expect to meet with the other jxntlcmen who may be apointed from the State of Pen- sylvarici — I have the Honour to be for Colo. McDowell & my self— Sir
Your most obedient
& Most Humbl Servant
Samp. Mathews" (9) Staunton 13*^ Febry 1778
Addrc.:std on back:
"To the Honourable Henry Laurance President of Congress"
Pennsylvania appointed one comm.issioner, George Clymer, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He reached Fort Pitt hefore the Virginian and on March 7, 1778 communicated with Congress. The letter, dated from Pittsburg, is preser\^ed in the name volum.e with the ] receding, it is in part:
"Ncitlicr of my Collegues having joined me from Virginia, Con- gress has yet reaped little advantage in this Quarter from the Ap- pcintn'cnt of Commissioners * * *. To repair this unhappy
9-Saraucl McDowell, bom in Pennsylvania Oct. 27, 1735, removed to Va. in 1737, died near Danville, Kentucky, Oct. 25, 1S17. A member of I.ewi'-'s company at Braddock's del'eat, and for many years a member of the \ irj^inia Assembly. In 17S2 he was appointed a commissioner to settle lar.d claims in Kentuck}-, and served in the Kentucky Legisla- ture.
Sanijison Mathews, of Augusta County, Va., died in 1S07. He was long a prominent citizen of the county, was commissary of Col. Charles Lewis' Tcgimenl in the Point Pleasant ram[)aign and served in 17S1 as Colonel of Augusta militia. (See Waddcll's "Annals of Augusta County.")
a:-
'i/:ti .c:afi':
^jY
^X\l ^o(ioi "^Zi ifOJiim:l3
„ ^
• - VIRGINIA FRONTIER IN HISTORY. >•' -^-i iN.'^ , 51
loss of time as much as lies in my power, I shall of my own Authority send off a Messenger to the Delawares tomorrow, to make known to them the friendly disposition of Congress, to communicate the prosperous Situation of our Affairs, and to invite their principal Men to Fort Pitt: confessing to you at the same time my Doubts whether they will incline to put them- selves in the power of our frontier people, whose indiscriminate hatred of Indians, has been such as to make them shew, on some occassions, little regard to the Laws of Protection or Maxims of good policy * * *."
Mathews probably reached Fort Pitt about the middle of March, being the only representative from Virginia, thus he and Clymxr served as the commission by virtue of the resolu- tions of Congress of November 20, 1777. A very interesting letter, signed by them jointly, and addressed to the President of Congress, is among the Papers of the Continental Congress, (No. 78, folio 155) and is here quoted in full:
"Sir:
"In our Letter of the 31 March which we had the honor to write you, v.e communicated the several steps pursued by us, previcius to tlic elopement of McKce,(10) to cultivate the Friend- ship of the Delawares : since when we have laboured assiduously by messages, and letters to take off any bad impressions he, and his associates, might have left on the Minds of these people. By these Means, and Fixing on a new day, we have obtained a visit from two of their Chiefs; but as a particular relation of our Proceedings with them accompanies this, we shall only obser^^e that 'tho these Indians appear well disposed to be in friendship with us, we could not ventiu'e to make them any proposition towards engaging a number of them in our service.
Congress will perceive the Expediency of appointing Com- missioners to Conduct the Treaty proposed to be opened here the twenty-third day of July next.
10-This refers to the escape of McKee and some followers, includirii? members of the Thirteenth Virginia regiment, from Fort Pitt on the nii^ht of March 28, 1778. They had remained loyal to the English and appear to have made their way to Detroit.
to
:ii'
52 ^ ., VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
We have already endeavoured to give Congress some Idea of the weak and disjointed state of the Frontier, against which the VVyandots, and other Indians from the neighbourhood of Lake Erie, continue to exercise their crueUies, and we have now more possible Reasons to apprehend that so far from effectually repelling the Indians the Inhabitants will rather retire to the other side of the Mountains — an event perhaps to be deprecated, less as temporary loss of country, than as it may produce in many an aversion to the cause, an attachment to which has occasioned their sufferings. And we may add, a political change of this nature will not be thought improbably to take place in minds ill-informed, and when consequently but little steadiness of Principle is expected. This among other con- siderations induces us to submit to Congress the propriety of imn:ediately setting on foot an Expedition, whose object shall be Detroit, the source of all the Calamity, in which if we are fortunate, Peace and Security will undoubtedly succeed in this Quarter. If the Idea is adopted by Congress, it is proposed to cm.i;loy in it three thousand of the IMilitia, as we conceive a smaller numiber would not effectually secure a march through the Indian Country, but as an Assult may be found necessary, they would be accompanied by at least four hundred regular trcops, together with a small Artillery. The Dependence for Militia we have supposed must be almost altogether on Vir- ginia, frcm a presumption all the force, that of two most westerly counties excepted, which the Government of Pennsylvania can draw into the field must necessarily be employed this Campaign within the State. The great Kenahwa is thought of as the properest Rendezvous of those frcm the nearest Counties, to consist of fifteen hundred men, and Fort Pitt for that of the remainder, but a junction of the Divisions to be made at the Great Kenahwa, from whence the whole should proceed to- gether.
Scm.e Estim.ates, with a Calculation of the Sums that will be required to be lodged in Virginia, to set fon\"ard the Division to Kenahwa cc;n:e herewith for the View of Congress.
This attcmjpt heirg made with so powerful a Force, we are not without hopes the Delawares generally, with the well dis-
.3HIJ(/
'"«9l>fM vf*©^!* «>Vpd "^^^^
;;,'(;.<«^ii. rtM '.'^ . jorr f/ rtB
.■•■•1 ");- » rlHw
•■•;V ...
; : ; 1 1
. -J
0;..>:! lO > iq
od liw ./. ii . ■;■;.•■ ' of!r .'w .
CJJ
mi: )/
VIRGINIA FRONTIER IN HISTORY. ■ ' j '53
posed Shawanocs, would engage more decisively in our favour, as from what we learn, they are already greatly irritated by the Threats, and Insults they have received from the enemy Indians in passing through their Country to ours.
Nothing material remaining for us to do in this Question, we propose this to finish the Business of our Commission, and shall set out for home Tomorrow
We have the honor to be
with Sentiments of Regard, Sir Your most obed* hum Serv'^ Pittsburgh Geo. Clymer"
April 27, 1778 Samp. Mathews."
The honorable Henry Laurens Esq'' President of Congress." On the back of the letter is this note: "Letter from Commissioners at Fort Pitt, 27 April 1778 rcc'd 6 May ■ . . ,
referred to the board of war who are directed to report thereon. — "
Thus the commissioners m.ade two distinct suggestions to Congress, first the desirability of an active campaign, with Detroit as tl:e objective point, and second "the Expediency of appointing Commissioners to Conduct the Treaty proposed to be opened here [Fort Pitt] the twenty-third day of July next." Both suggestions were accepted by Congress and the campaign, as conducted by General Mcintosh, formed the subject of the second article of this series. The question of the proposed treaty was probably discussed by the Commissioners in an earlier comimunication to Congress, as it was merely mentioned in the above letter of April 27.
The letter was duly considered by the Board of War, and on June 4 the following resolutions were entered in the Journal of Congress :
"The Board of War having represented the expediency of appointing commissioners to meet the Indians at Fort Pitt, and to attend the treaty proposed by the late commissioners,
6fi
j^«"7ii/f:
54 VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
Resolved, that three commissioners be appointed for the ,' ' purpose of holding a treaty with the Delawares, Shawanese, and other Indians, who may assemble at Fort Pitt, on the twenty third of July next.
Rcsohed, That the governor and council of the State of
Virginia he requested and authorized to appoint two gentlemen,
■ and the executive power of the State of Pennsylvania, to appoint
one gentlciran, of suitable characters, for the purpose aforesaid.
-' 1 Resolved, That Congress will make an adequate allowance ■* • for the services and expences of said commissioners."
And on June 20 the following entry was made in the Journal of Congress:
"The Comimittee on Indian Affairs to whom was referred the letter of Colonel G. Morgan, dated the 10'^ instant, brought in a report: Whereupon,
Resolved, That the Comimittee of Commerce be directed to prccr.re goods, and such other articles as are proper for presents ■ to the western Indian nations, to the amount of ten thousand dollars, and transmit the sam.e to Fort Pitt, to the commission- ers, who are to treat with the Indians there on the 23 day of July next: and that the said com.missioners be also directed to dispose of the said goods amongst the said Indians in such manner as they shall judge will best conduce to conciliate their affections and secure them in the interest of these states :
That the said commissioners be empowered to draw on the military chest at Fort Pitt, for such sums as shall be necessary to defray the contingent expenses of the said treaty."
The resolution of Congress of June 4, was acted upon by Governor Henry of Virginia on June 18. On that day the following was entered in the Journal of the Virginia Council, a manuscript volume now in the State Library at Richmond:
1 "Agreeable to a Resolution of Congress, Andrew Lewis (11)
■ ' ll-Andrcw Lewis was born in Ireland about the year 1720. and died in
Bedford county, Virginia, September 27, 1781. He was closely assoc- iated with Washington during the campains of 1754 and 1755. In 175(i be led the Sandy Creek exi:edition. On March 1, 177G he was com- missioned Brigadier General in the Continental army, but soon r-^signed on account of failing health.
w''J VIRGINIA FRONTIER IN HISTORY. , 55
& John Walker(12) Esquires, are, by the Governor with the advice of Council, appointed Commissioners for the purpose of holding a Treaty with the Delaware, Shawanesse & other Indians who may assemble at Fort Pitt on the twenty third day of July next."
And again on July 4, the subject was mentioned in the Journal of the Couticil :
"John Walker esquire having signified that it will be out of his power to Act as a Commissioner at the Indian Treaty to be held at Fort Pitt on accoimt of the Indisposition of his family, Thomas Lewis(13) esquire of Augusta is appointed in his room; And as there is a probability of Andrew Lewis Esquire his refusing to Act on Account of the Indians having committed Hostilities near his house, in that Case, Sampson Matthews Esquire is appointed to act in his stead."
Pennsylvania failed to have a commissioner at the treaty which was conducted by the two brothers, Thomas and Andrew Lewis, on behalf of the United States, and the three Delaware Chiefs, White Eyes, Pipe, and Killbuck as representatives of their nation. On account of the delay in the arrival of conti- nental tr.'jops at Fort Pitt, it became necessary to change date of July 23, as originally set. Colonel Brodhead, with the Eighth Pcnns^'lvania regiment, reached Fort Pitt on September 10, 1778. The Commissioners and Indians were gathered there, and two days later, on September 12, they met in Council. The events of the succeeding days, closing with the signing of the treaty on September 17, will form the subject of the fifth article of this series.
12-John Walker, eldest son of the well-known Dr. Thomas Walker, of "Castle Hill," Albemarle Co., Va., was born Feb. 13, 174t, and died Dec. 2, 180^. He was a member of the House of Burgesses, the Conven- tions of 177.5, was an aide to Washington in the Revolution and U. S. Senator from Virginia in 1790.
13-Thomas Lewis, the older brother of Andrew Lewis mentioned above, was born in Ireland in 171S: died in 17P0. He was a member of House of Burgesses and likewise a member of the State convention that ratified the Federal constitution.
r. vj i.Tii. n
56 VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL AND GENERAL COURT
16221629*.
From the Originals in the Library of Congress.
(Continued.)
*A11 erasures in the originals are here printed in italics.
The practice, previously followed, of printing these records line for line with the original will not be, hereafter, continued.
[150]
*(l)And with them they kept ye frigott wch they had first taken and theire ov/ne And tooke A negro and A Frenchman who came away with them willingly. And a Portugall to be Their Pilott out of the AVest Indyes because they had longe gone
*(1) The depositions here and in XXIIT, 404-400, relate to one of those halt privateering, half piratical cruises so common at the time. The Dutch were willing to use any weapon in their desperate war with Spain and privateering commissions were freely given by the States or the Prince of Orange. In many instances, the operations of these priva- teers were not confined to attacks on Spanish ships. The interest in this case is that there should have been alioard the Black Bess two men who had helped to lay the foundations for so much history. Capt. Powell had cvMiimanded one of the ships which brought the first negroes to Va. and his subordinate Capt. Jones had comrrianded the Mayflower in its famous voyage to Plymouth. Both had been in the service of the Earl of Warwick. Capt. John Powell had been sent out by the Somers Islands Company in 1616, in a boat called the Hopewell; but had taken to piracy and gotten that Company into much trouble at home. In IGIO, in "a Dutcli man-of-war" he brought some of the first negroes to Virginia. In \(V.:'-, the Va. Company was asked to allow him to trade to Virginia, but refiLsed as they were "afraid Capt. Powell should go to the West Indies," and there return to piracy.
Capt. Thomas Jones, in or prior to 1610, commanded in the East Indies a ship, "the Lion," belon'j;ing to the Earl of Warwick, and after his vovage with the Pilgrims in 1G20, continued in the service of the Vir- ginia Company'. In 1622, in the Discovery, he made a voyage to explore the neighborhood of Cape Cod and furnished the Plymouth people with needed supplies. He died in Virginia soon after landing from the voyage dcscriljod in these depositions. A frigate of the time here spoken of was a small sailing vessel and not the war ship of later d.-^ys.
MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL AND GENERAL COURT. 57
upp and downe and could nott gett Clerre. After this they gott cleere and came to ye cape of fflorida where they intended to take in fresh water and to gett some provisions and soe came to an anchor, and sent to the shore and gott in some Water and Turtles but by extremitie of fowle weather they lost two anchors and cables and theire boate Sunk at the Shipps stearne so as they were forcte to leave two of their Company ashore and were driven them selves out into the Current so yt they could not putt in to gett theire men abourd nor could not putt ye Portugall ashore as they intended at any place where his coimtrymen were. And after this not beinge Sufficiently Victuled to goe for England They resolved to shape their Course for Virginia. Theire ship also beinge very leakey, And sayeth that they landed at Cape Hatteras in a small boate wch they made themselves abourd ye shipp wth parte of ye rowne house to gett fresh Avater but could gett none And after yt ye next Daye They gott in at ye Capes and ran into this river uppon Alondy the eleventh of this month of January 1625
[151] William Gundry of Feversam in Kent swome and Examined Sa^eLh yt he was shipt at fflushing by Capt. Jonnes into ye blacke Bess and yt he harde Capt Powell's Commission readd, and 3't they having \-ictuled at the Isle of Wyght and taken in Some miorc Company they putt to Sea & shaped theire course for ye v/esLcrn Islands where they beate upp and Downe a few days and after went for the West Indies and at the Granados they builte them a shallopp, And they bay levinge ye shipp at an Anchor They went in the shallope aboute 25 men and boarded a Spanish frigott but the men v.'ere all ashore where they found some small p'visione and certen Raw hides on the shore, And they m.ande ye frigott and kept her in Consort with them, But after Capt Powell cutting short theire allowance and requiringe them to signe to Certen Articles, among wch one was yt thay should fyght againste any whether they were Friend or Foe, whereuppon they resolved to depart from him and to goe for theire Country, and soe v/as Capt. Jounes for theire Capt and mor who was willinge to com.e with them. And furnishinge
Ta
dwCJl •{
58 VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
thcra with Some provisions and fresh water, They parted from their Admirall and beatinge upp and Downe one nyght lying at hull in the morninge the espied this frygott, and makinge after her, The men hoysted out theire boate and went ashore, when the went aboarde ye frygott and found never a man in her; but 60 live Goattes and fower pecks of meale and some lynnen and woollen Cloathes and some 5 or 6 hundred weight of Tobacco and 2 peeces of ordynance and som.e other small matters. Soe they man'd this frygott and carried her wth them and after came to Cap Carebe
[152] There they fownd another frigott wch ran under theire lee they went w'th her to the v\-ateringe place And often they took owt of this frigott Certen Raw hides and some Tobacco and a frcnch nian and a negro who were very willinge to come wth them and a Portugall to be theire pilott leavinge wth them the frigott wch they had first taken and theyre owne, And after they came to Cape Florida, and having sent ashore for water and theire men caringe aboard wth water and some Turtles, leaving two of their Company ashore for the fcatchinge of Turtles, By fowle weather they lost two Cables and Anchors and theire boate sunlce at the Shipps Stearne, and were forced to sea by wch means they could not recover their men nor putt the Portugall ashore, whom they were forced to take in to be a Pilott for to bringe them out of the Islands, their victualls being short and the shipp leaky they resolved to shape their course for Virginia and arrived there on Mondye the eleventh day of July 1625
[153] Andrew Poe of Holte in Northfolke sworne and examined Sayeth yt he was shipt in fflushinge by Capt. Powell and Capt Jonnes in the Black Bess, and having victuled at Isle of Wight they put owt to sea and went forth to ye western Islands, and from thence to ye West Indies where they lighted on a f riggott, but he, this Examint was not aboard her the shallopp yt took her. Soe they mand the frigott and tooke her alonge wth them
MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL AND GENERAL COURT. 59
and after because they could Capt. Powell would not allow them Sufficient water and victualls and required them to sett their hands to Certen articles the Company grew Discontented and soe Capt. Powell bid them that would goe for thcirc Country to take the frigott and goe in her, Whereupon the Chose Capt Powell Jonnes for their Capt and M'r and parted from him intendinge to goe Immediatelie for their Country but their few p'vysions and water being spent, they were forced to putt in for relcefe, And having gott some pr'vysions they could nott gett, findc the way owt of the Islands, the Capt bcinge unacquainted in those ]jarLs, And after beating upp and Downe they lighted uppon a ffrygott where they found 60 Turtles and some Tobacco and meale and other small matters and takeing her wth them afterwards lighted uppon a Spanish frigott wch came under their lee and they gave them their first frygott taking out of her some Raw liides and some Tobacco and a negro and a ffrench- man who
[154] were desirous to goe along wth them and a Portugall to be theire Filott OWL of the Islands intendinge to sett him ashore uppon Cape fflorida or thereabouts when bcinge ari\'ed there and after they gott some fresh water and p 'visions ashore They left two of theire C'ompany ashore and the weather growinge fowlc they lost two cr;ijles and anchors and theire boate sunke at the ships stenie, by means wherof they coulde not goe for tlieir men but were driven out to sea, And after had no oportunitie to sett the portugall ashore but came directly for Virginia, where they Arrived one Mondye the Eleventh of July 1625 July the xxi being present Sir ff rancis Wyatt Knight, Governor &c., Capt Francis West, Capt. Roger Smith, Capt Raphe Hanor, Mr William Cley borne
Yt is ordered yt fourteene of those men wch came in wth Capt Jones shalbe sent upp to James Cittie wth ye first. To be dis- posed of by the Governor and Coimsel to such places in the Colony as they shall thinlce fitt, wherof the Frenchman to be one, And yt Capt Francis West make Choyse of such otheis as he shall thinke fitt of.
«e .TJi;
■KlftTA'iTO
60 VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
And ye Courte doth Consent to ye request of Capt. Francis West that he may make use of the frygott and all the Tackell Apparell Munitions masts saylcs sayle yardes &c., now to her belonginge or appertayning, Provided that he shalbe account- able for the valuable some of twelve hundred pounds weight of Tobacco wch some Capt Jounes and the ships company hath Demanded for her To any such to whom of right she shall Appertaine uppon further Consideration
Yt is also ordered yt the Companie shalbe sent upp to ye neck of lande unto Mr Luke Boyse, there to abide untill further order
[156] November 1624 Received of Doctoris Christmas and John Shepparde for the use of Southampton Hundred fower barrels of come by the appoynlmentt of I\Ir John Powntis
^ me John Utie Mr Pciuntis receaved yt them when he v»'ent a trading for the use of his Pynnace said baiTcll of Corne
Witnessed by Richard (x) Croker Receaved the 9"^ of December 1623 for the use of Mr Pountis in ptc of another some one hundred and fowre pounds of To- bacco, I say receaved of John Shepparde the same above
Nathaniell Basse
1157]
A Courle held the xxii of August 1625
being pr'snte Sr francis Wyatt, Knight Governor &c, Capt.
Fra. West, Capt. Roger Smith, Capt. Raphe Hamor, Mr Wm.
Cleyborne.
Jolm Sou theme swome and Sayeth that Thomas Passmore*(2)
and Christopher Haule came unto him for to have him make
(2) Thomas Passmore was a carpenter who lived, with his wife Jane, on James City Island. Christopher Hall appears from the Census of 1021-5, to have been a neij^hbor. The same l~ensus shows that John Hall and Elizabeth, his wife, also lived near by. The name rendered Kcisie in the text, should probably be Kerhtt. Thomas Kerntt, aged 24, in 1021-5, was one of Passmore's servants.
7.11
J. ■■ , i^yi;
MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL AND GENERAL COURT. 61
a payr of covenants betwixt them, the saide John Sutheme demanded of them w't their bargain was, they said the cropp was to be sett in seaven p'tes wherof Mr Passmoure was to have fowre shares and Christopher Haule to have three, But Mr Passmoure saide he would have a little peece of grounde to him sclfe for his wife and his bcJy to plant and tend. Christopher Haule said I will make no new bargaine and yt you will stand to our first bargaine (so) otherwise will make no other bargaine and so they departed. Thomas Bradfiel swome and Examined Sayeth that he sitting in Company wth Passmoure and Christ- opher Haule he heard Mr Passmoure saye that Christopher Haule should have three shares of ye Cropp and yt he would leave his men over to Christopher Haule and meddle not wth them and this was spoken before this 'Examin't after they had been wth Mr Southerne. Mr Passmoure called this Examt to take notice wt the said
Yt is ordered that John Haule have his house and fowre acres of land joyninge to the land of Thom.as Passmoure sytuate in James Cyttie Island where he hath now built & seated
• [158]
Thomas Kersie swome and Examined sayeth That Christopher Haule did woorke about ye Cropp sometymes two howers in a D'ye and sometymes three houres and very seldome a whole D'ye together.
John Buckmaster swome and Examined affirmeth as much as Thomas Keisie hath formerly said.
It is agrecde by and wth the Consentt of Thomas Passmoure and Christopher Haule (as followeth) that is to say yt ye Cropp now in question between them Mr Passmoure shall have fower shares thcrof & Christopher Haule to have three shares and Thomas Passmoure to have the little hill now planted with pease and pompions to him selfe, And if Christopher Haule shall iieclect his lawfuU labour for ye good of ye Cropp, That then he shall malcc allowance to Thomas Passmoure for the same.
2f
n't j.'i.w;v
I«^i]
ti. ri-Xin; aa lii
C2 VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE. . ,,?
Wkeras Mousyer Bomoimt*(^) Yt is ordered yt Mounseycr Bomounte may seate him selfe and his people uppon any place About ye Esteme Shore being five miles from any land actually possessed by ye Company or any other man. And for any other order the Courte cannot determine before they be farther in- formed wth ye Certentie of ye bounds of ye lande wch he de- sireth to have granted.
[159] A Courte held the xxx*^ of August 1625, beinge present Sr ffrancis Wyatt, Knight, Governor &c, Capt. Roger Smith, Capt Raphe Hamor, Mr Wm Cleyboume. Cadwallader Jonnes Sworne and Examined sayeth yt uppon Tuesday nyght last he harde a Tumulte in Joseph Johnsone*(4) his house betwixt the said Joseph [and his?] wiefe. And sayeth yt Mr Bransbye his m'r caled to this Examint and other of his fellows to come to him soe this Examinat and Robert Crew his fellow servant went to Joseph Johnsones house where he and his fellow servant found their M'r and Joseph Johnsone fallen fowle together they being uppon the bed where they p'ted them, And further sayeth yt Mr Bransbie caled Joseph Johnsone said this I have for p'tinge a Newgate birde and Bridewell whore.
George Proust sworne and Examined Sayeth yt uppon Thursday last Mr Bransbie his m'r after he came from Joseph Johnsone's house sent this exam'nt to Johnsones house for his hatt and hat band And Cominge away from ye house he heard Mr Bransbie say to Joseph Johnsone yt yf he did beat and abuse his wiefe any more he would beate him tyghtlie unless ye Govcrno'' comanded ye contrary.
And further Cadwallader Jones sayeth yt about ye midst of October 1G24, Joseoh Johnsone goinge abroad with his peice,
(3) It is singular that there is no mention of this Mons. G. Beaumont in Hottcn, the Minutes of the Virginia Company, or in any other record but this. Neill (Virginia Carolontm, p. 30) says that Giles IBeaumont. a Frenchnian, arrived in 1G23 with some colonists, authorized to claim the privile,^es of an English subject and establish a plantation.
(4) Joseph Johnson, his wife Margaret and Georgia Prouse, were living at yVrchcrs Hope, 1021-5. At the same time Thomas Bransbie, with three servanls, Nicholas GreenViill, Cadwallader Jones and Robert Crew, was living at the same place. The account shows that Bransbie was command- er of Archers Hope plantation.
iH'ii 'jnto'fJi' iamri'l ■j-yhy.u)
MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL AND GENERAL COURT. 63
very far from his house and in great danger of the Enemie, Mr Bransbie being Comander of ye Plantation, hath often ad- morjishcd him therof, And Mr Bransbie offering to disarme him of his peece ye said Joseph bcinge gott into his house, pre- sented his peece against Mr Bransbie, sayinge come if you will.
[160] And further George Proust before swome and examined sayeth that about Easter laste Joseph Johnsone, beating of his wiefe, Mr Bi.p.isbie and others wth him Cominge upp towards John- sones iiouse to pacifie them. The said Johnsone presented his peece owt at his window and said To them wt have you to do hecre, 3'ou were best kepe back or I will keepe make yo, stand back
Yt is ordered at this Courte that Joseph Johnsone in regard of his contempt against the Comande of the Plantacone as also for ye Contynuall assaultinge of his wiefe, shall enter into bonds of fortie pounds wth a sufficient securitie to be from henceforth of good behaviour, as well towards our Souveragne lord ye Kingc as other his liege subjects
[ink folio 161] A Courte heldc the 12'-'' of September 1625 beinge present Sr: Francis wyatt Knight, Gouenior, & Capt' Roger Smith Capt' Samucll Mathewes M"" Abraham Peersey m"" Wm Clcy bourne
Yt is orckavd yt william Browne Boatswayne of the good shi[jp called the Elizabeth, shall deliuer three hatts to m'' Thomas Allnut'^'(5), wch were sent him owt of Englandc, wch the said Wm Browne sold at Kackowtan, At or before the xix'^ daye of this instant moncth of September beinge mondye next
M'' Jam.es Slogden minister swome and examined sayeth that
he by the Ai,03ntmcnt of m"" John Powntis did paye to m^
Edward Cage and m'' Tho: Edvsards two hundred and twenty
pov>nd waight of Tobacco for w"^^'' they gave y*^ said m'' Stogden
Accqviianc for y" receipt therof (w'^'' was lately burnt in his
hov>se liy Casraliie of fycr
(.0) 'i hoinas Alnutt, who came in the Gijte, and his wife who came in the Mar\i!_oid, were living at James City at the census of 1624-5. Ed- ward Caj^e, who came in the Marmaduke, lived near him.
i )
bii
64 ■• : VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
Doctoris Christmas being swome (Deposeth that he brought the said Accqviittance from m"" Edwardes and DeHuered it to m'' Stogden.
Further m'' Stogden deposeth y^ m'' John Powntis did accept of a bill of dept for fower barrells and a halfe of Come, W^'' M'' Samuell Jorden had bounde him selfe to pay to m"" Tho. Dowse, And in leu of the said bill, did discharge Dictoris Chrismas and John Hassarde of fower barrells & halfe of come dev/ from them to ye said m'' Jo. Powntis w^'' bill he said he was y" more wilUnge to accept of for y' he was indepted to m'' Jurden.
[ink folio 162] A Courte held the xix*^ daye of September 1625 beinge present Sr. Francis wyatt, Knight, Gouemor, &c., Capt' Roger Smith, Capt' Raph Ham.er, M*" Abraham Persey m'^ Wm Cleyboume Walter Horsefoot swome and examined sayeth that the shipp caled the Ehzabeth was acosted at Dover for the King service, v/hervppon the purser of the shipp rid to London and brought A Letter to the Livt' of Dover Castle. And soe the shipp was discharged.
Further he sa3^eth y* John Hobbs a servant of Capt' Bickley cam away from the shipp and after M" Page goingc w"' the water baylie to y'' Capt' w'='' when Hobbs was had him del'vcd agayne.
And further sayeth y' some of M'' Persey s men marched in thcire armes, before m"" Page his face. And further sayeth y'^ one Hugh Symstcr A Carpenter offered m'' Page y' yf he wold paye xx** and discharge his hoste he wold come alonge w'^' him w''' Carpenter was one of m'' persyes men Yt is ordered in Courte y^ m"" Pcersey shall have one of the boyes named Burrows sold by the purser, or otherwise the purser to Compound w"> m'' pcrsy for him M'' Persy desireth now to haue Robert Burrows
Walter Horscfoote further sayeth y' m'' Page saidc that m'' Wake was to haue a boy of his named burrows. Wm Webster purser Doth Consigne over to M*" Abraham Persy Hugh Brooke, Wm Larancc and Jane Steckie, in lew of three servantc w''' y" M^ and Company suffered to goc away from them beinge three of m"" persie sevance
','-A'J:".'<^^ '/f?EO \o UiLn->p g
'in ;•.': j. .'y.
I'lW ,r: ji-'ij-] "rn i<- j-m
MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL AND GENERAL COURT. 65
[ink folio 163]
Received of m" Woollrige
one hogshed marked— T D ' ' ' '^ ■
one barrell marked — T D
one servante
William WB Browne " his marke ' ' " ' ' ' ' '
Ytt ys ordered y* m' woolgrige shall haue a boye servante Caled whiffle now remayninge w'^ Thomas Spillmas in satisfaction for his servante, w^'' ye ships Company suffered to goe away. Yt is Also ordered y' for a kilderkin and smale chest of Surgery sent over by m^^ Woodall to Christopher beast, the Colony beinge in great want of said surgery That not w^'standing of m' woodalls desire of hauinge the same retomde, m-" wake Do leaue the saide goods heere w**^ y^ Phisitions and Chirurgions y^ they be furnished therw''', they puttinge in securitie to this Courte, To pay to m' woodall in Englande so much redie money as it Cost w'^ such resonable proffit as shalbe to his Content.
Y' is ordered y* the Purser of the Elizabeth shall pay to m' Pcarle for G tonne of beere and 9 hundred of bred W^'' they spent of his at sea the some of twelve hundred waight of good Mar- chantable Tobacco at or before the last Dye of November next enswinge, vppon payment wherof, M"- Pearle shall give the said purser A Discharge for all the goodes shipt aboorde the Eliza- beth by m'' Benet And for five servantes y' rann away in Eng- lande at Dover, M^ Benett is to Receive satisfactione for them in England.
(To be Continued.)
J{
fi&of) ic
rr.
(X
66 VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
VIRGINIA GLEANINGS IN ENGLAND.
(Contributed by the late Lothrop Withington, London, Eng.)
Simon Aston, Citizen and Grocer of London. Will 2 August 1638; ])roved 15 August 1638. To wife Elizabeth Yi of goods and executrix. Overseers: Brothers William Wheeler Esq. and Robert Aston, Citizen and Grocer of London. Richard Nelme £10 to make up accounts of Shopp. To poor of St. Peters Cheap £4. To Mother £20 per annum. To eldest son William Aston £50. Witnesses: James Smith, Thomas Lavender, John Hope. Lee, 99. • ■ '' ■ ■*' i - * ■ '
Elizabeth Aston of London, widow. Will 12 April 1647; proved 25 September 1647. I commit my body to the earth to be buried in decent manner in the parish church of All Saints Staining, London, as near to my later dear father, John Wheeler, esq., deceased, as conveniently may be, but not with pomp and solemnity or mourning, which I leave to the discretion of my brother and executor to do therein as I have to him declared. I gi\e to my sisters Ann Wynn and Mary Anesworth 40s apiece to buy them rings. To my sister Lucilia Dodd £10 to remain in the hands of my executor to her proper use. To my brother John Wheeler 40s. for a ring to wear in remembrance of me. To my sisters Agneta Moone and Clara van de Welde the like sum apiece. To my sister Mrs. Elizabeth Wheeler a ring of 40s. price- in testimony of my love and affection unto her. To my cousin Mrs. Ehzabeth Aby 40s. To my cousin Mrs. Mary Rucidiard, widow, a ring of 40s. price to wear in remembrance of Tile. To my ser\'ant Elizabeth Comwell £5. To Marie Buti, sometimes my sen'ant, 20s. To eight poor widows, at the election of my executor, 10s. apiece. To the poor of St. Kath- erine Coleman, London, and of all Saints Steyning, 40s. to
'rrr ,n.
•jf,: * ■ •y):iL^.'.\ni'yr.)i uj 'iftW. <^; gun £ lol .cOt
Vii: '>T 'vj.l '>. n U{n! J ,ni;-\>
C/r...!/". dl" ''-i 1! iirui)
jauvio
OJ .iiO^ .iidtn/jir; ,-.,nii; < Hi'. V)
VIRGINIA GLEANINGS IN ENGLAND. '" 67
either parish. To Master WilHam Engler 40s. To my three sons, William, Simon, and Robert Aston, £200 apiece at their several ages of 21. To my eldest daughter Anne Aston £300, and to my youngest daughter Sarah Aston £200, at their several ages of 18. I give also to my said daughters such of my plate, linen, and woolen things, as I have set apart for them, and parcelled out with my own hands and set their names thereon. To my three sons, £5 apiece in old gold. I give unto my executors, children, and servants mourning apparel only, and desire that the rest of my friends will be contented with the legacies only before mentioned and intended unto them. The residue of my goods I give equally among my said five children. I ordain my very loving brother William Wheeller, of West- burie county, Wilts, esq., and my son William Aston my over- seers. And to my said brother Master WiUia m Wheeller, for his great care and pains to be taken therein, and for a remem- brance of my love to him, I give £10 to buy him a piece of plate at his discretion and pleasure. Codicil 24 July 1G47. I do further declare that, in regard my sister Dod has shown great love to me in the time of my long sickness, to the £10 formeriy given to her £10 more be added; and likewise that £5 more be distributed to poor widows. The mark of Elizabeth Aston Witnesses: William Steedman, Thomas Coleman, servt. to Thomas Bostocke, scr. Proved by William Wheeller, with power reserved, etc. Fines, 188.
The Visitation of London, 1634, states that Walter Aston, of Long- don, Staffordshire (grandson of Sir Walter Aston of Tixall), had issue- 1 Thomas, living at Kilbary, Ireland; 2. Simon, of London, Grocer who married Elizabeth, daughter of John Wheeler, of London; 3. Walter, ' now in the West Indies;" 4. Robert, of London, grocer. As Virginia was then frecjuently referred to as in the West Indies, it is very probable that the Walter Aston referred to was the one whose tomb is at the site of the old church at Westover. The epitaph is as follows: "Here Lyeth interred the body of leftenant ' Colonoll Walter Aston who died the Cth .' I Apr ill 1056. He was Aged •
49 years And Lived in this country 28 yeares Also here lyeth the Body of Walter Aston the son of Leftenant CoUonel Walter Aston who departed this life ye 29th of lanuari 1666 Aged 27 Yeares and 7 Monthes." Walter Aston, Sr., came to Virginia in 1028, and settled in Charles City County. He was a member of the House of Burgesses for Shirley Hundred
k)
1 i^i j:;iv1 i J- J '1' J •■!•;■ •<■
68 VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE. '''
Island 1629-30, Both Shirley Hundreds &c., 1631-32, Shirley Hundred Maine and "Cawseys Care" Sept. 1632, and Feb. 1632-3, and Charles City Co. 1642-3. He was also justice of the peace and lieutenant colonel of militia. His first wife was named Warhoro, or Narbrow, and his second (who survived him and married Col. Edward Hill) was Hannah. On Aug. 2, 1646, Walter Aston patented 1040 acres in Charles City on Kymages Creek, including 200 more on "Cawseys Care." Lt. Col. Aston died in 1656 having issue: (1) Susannah, widow, in 1655, of Lieutenant Col. Edwa-d Major; (2) Walter; (3) Mary, married Richard Cocke; (4)
Elizabeth, married Binns. The will of Walter Aston, Jr., was
dated Dec. 21, 1666, and proved Feb. 4, 1660-67. Legatees: to his mother Hannah Hill, a parcel of land called "The Level:" to godson John Cocke, son of Richard Cocke, deceased, 4000 lbs. tobacco; to godson Edward Cocke, son of Richard Cocke, 6000 lbs. tobacco; the survivors to have the whole'amount of 10,000 lbs. and if they were without issue it is to go to the other children, sisters Mary Cocke and Elizabeth Binns 20 shillings each for a ring; a gun called Pollard to servant John Mitten and a sow; to testators Irish boy Edward a sow, to Mr. George Harris, merchant, all the dividend of land at Cawseys Care, the land at Canting Point and rest of estate].
Henry Eltonhead of London Merchant bound for a voj^age to the East Indies in the good ship called the Hound of London. Will 23 November 1616; proved 12 February 1619-20. To my brother Nicholas Eltonhead of Greenwich county Kent, gent all my estate whatsoever and I m.ake him sole executor. William Manley servant to Nicholas Reeve, scr., Edward Pierce ser- vant to said scrivenor. Soame, 22.
The ancient family of Eltonhead, of Eltonhead, Lancashire, has many descendants in Virginia. Sec Haydcn's Virginia Genealogies 228- 230. Henry Eltonhead, whose will is given here was evidently the son of William Eltonhead. His name and that of his brother Nicholas appear on the chart pedigree. Henry Eltonhead. whose will was dated in 1665. was a brother of Richard Eltonhead, of Eltonhead, though not named in the chart. This is evident as he mentions his brother Thomas Meares ].
Henry Eltonhead late of London Esq deceased. Will 27 July 1665. These seuerall following I doc giue to my Brother R. Eltonhead if I dye a single man. Moneys due to me in Ireland by bond in Mr. John Doughty's hands in Dublin £100. Mr. Thom.as Houghton is bound interest due 10 in hundred this bond is in hands of Mr. Walter Scudamorc. In hands of Mr. Timothy "GroUiers" in Dublin wherein Mr. James Buttcele is bound at 10 in hundred. In my landlords hand Mr. Joseph Stokers in Dublin £100 at his house in Castle Street Dublin, interest to be paid by him by reason I lay two yeares in his
.nv
T
VIRGINIA GLEANINGS IN ENGLAND. 69
house and paid nothing for my chamber which I ought to pay for after the rate of fiue pound ten shiUings a year. In my brother Richard Barrys hands my salary due from the King as Commissary for Munster £97. Two bonds of Mr. Edwd Rands £90 some years ago. Two bonds of my brother Tho. Mearas £6 in hands of Mr. Nathaniell Foulkes he Hves at the sign of the Horseshoe in Castle Street Dublin. I owe Mr. William Rich- ardson £2i. Mr. Clement Hog for two last terms Business £8. Due from Mr. Denton £100. Due to my proctor Mr. John Clements £10. Grant BoDk 1638-1G75 fo. 51. Letters of Administration with will etc to Richard Eltonhead of Elton- head in county Lancashire in England Esq of goods of Henry Eltonhead late of London Esq deceased on 23 August 1670. Prerogative Court of Ireland, Will BDok 1658-72, folio 165.
William Barlowe. Will 21 February 1617; proved 15 June 1625. If I die at Easton my body to the Chancell. G3d having given me ability in my lifetime to provide for my wife and children, I will now be the shorter. My daughter Anne having as }'et very little of certainty I make her estate worth £303. To my brother John Barlowe 103 marks. To my son Thomas all my Loadstones and Mathematical books and instruments. To the poor of Winchester 40s. To those of the scale 33s. To poor of Easton 40s. To poor of Avington 23s. To my men servants and maids half a years wages. My wife Julyan Bar- lowe and my son William Barlow joynt exeeutors. My son William Barlow shall have £40 to assist his mother but all things to her direction. My daughters Mary and Katherine portions may amount to £300 apiece. All such reversions of the Church Coppihoulds as I shall have at my death unbar- gained for and unsold I give to my son Barnaby Barlowe. Clarke, 67.
About the middle of the Seventeenth century a Ralph Barlowe lived in Northampton Co., Va. Various references in the records there show that he was related to Robert Parker of that county, who, like William Barlowe, whose will is given above, was a Hampshire man. On Oct. 28, 1653, Mr. George Parker sued Mr. John Elsey, executor of Mr. Ralph Barlowe, and on June 28, 1658, Jone Elzey "of Old England" petitioned Northampton Court that Mr. John Elzey executor of Mr. Ralph Barlowe, should pay her 500 lbs. tobacco left her, in Ralph Bar- lowe's willj.
'•]
\V qv
70 VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
COUNCIL PAPERS, 1698-1701
(From the Original in the Virginia State Library.)
(Continued)
Thanksgiving Proclamation
Whitehall November ye 11*^ 1702 Sir
We send you here inclosed her Majestys proclamation direct- ing a pubhck thanksgiving throughout England for the great Successes of her Ma'tys Arms by Sea and land. And we do hereby Signify to you her Majestys pleasure that a day of pub- lick llianksgiving for those Successes be likewise solemnized throughout all her plantacons in America; You are therefore to take care that a day be accordingly set apart for that purpose as soon as conveniently may be after your receipt hereof, And that the same be obser\'ed throughout her Majestys Colony and Dominion of Virginia under yo"" Government, with such due Solemnities as are Suitable to so great an occasion. So we bid you heartily farewell.
Yo"" very Loving Friends :('' ;i. > . . 't ; 1 Rob. Cecill
■ i^ f < Ph. Meadows
. ■."•- I,' 1 'i ■ . r, t r, ,;,, Wm. Blathwajrt „, .' 1 , John Pollexfen
Mat Prior.
i.n
Council of Virginia to the Queen Anne
To the Queen's most excell^ Maj*'^ May it please yo' Ma'ty
We the Council of yo"" Maty's Colony and Dominion of Vir- ginia after due perusal and serious consideracon of Yo'' Maj"°*
AyiA .
COUNCIL PAPERS 71
gracious Letter signifying yo'' Royal pleasure concerning a voluntary Contribution of men and money for New York laid before Us by his Excellency Francis Nicholson Esq"" yo"" Majestys Lieu' and Governor General of this Colony and Dominion, being extremely concerned that oiir answer to the like demand made b}'' Yo"" Matys Royal Brother William the third of blessed memory contained in our petition of October ye P* 1701 did not give your Maj*^"" the expected satisfaction, but that our manage- ment of that affair was disallowed by the Lords of the Council for Trade and plantacons Humbly beg leave in the most dutifull manner to lay before Yo'' Majesty our answers to those partic- ulars wherein by the advice of the said Lords, We find yo' IMajesty disapproves our conduct in that petition, together with an account of our late endeavors to comply with yo'' Ma''^^ commands in the said Letter as far as is within the reach of our Station and province.
Whereas in the first place we are charged as having made our application to yo"" ]\Ia*''=* Royal Brother in an irregular manner by an Agent of our own without the consent of our Governour We himibly offer to yo'' Ma''*^^ consideracon that as we were altogether free from any ill design in this method, so we Never heard before that any such Rule had been sett limiting the Addresses of Subjects in the plantations to their Soveraign to be m.ade only by the consent and through the hands of their Governors, and in this particular case, our Gov- ernor had signified so much of his disapprobation of the pro- ceedings of the General Assembly on acco* of the said Address that we judged it would have been improper to have desired or expected his mediation or concurrence therein : But now that we know yo'' Maj''''^ pleasure we shall take care in this, and all other applications to yo'' Majesty to observe the said Rule as to the manner of presenting our petitions.
In the next place it is observed of the said petition w"^** was presented to Yo'' Maj*'° in the name of the Council and Bur- gesses of Virginia that it was signed by no more than four of the members of the said Council: But to this we humbly offer to yo'' Maj'"^^ consideracon that it often happens by reason of sickness, and the very remote and distant habitations of many
IT
t»." e^ ••i-.j.'l t.'i'-^ -J : I
EAW *'•
72 VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
of the members of yo'' Council, the badness of weather, and the unpassableness of great Rivers and Bays at certain Seasons that we are obHged to act with very small numbers : and particularly at that time there being but a thin Council before the late nom- ination, and these reduced to m^any inconveniences by a tedious absence from home during a very long Session of Assembly, Several of them had repaired to their homes to look after their business which Sufferred exceedingly by so long absence, by which means it came to pass that there were no more of the Council left, but those few who subscribed the said petition, the rest who went away before it was finished having been con- senting while they staid to the several Resolves that had been made about it. So that it was really an unanimous consent of the Council, tho' signed only by those four who gave their attendance to the last.
Besides the objections against the manner of presenting the said petition, the reasons for excusing ourselves from the afore- said contribution are excepted against as insufficient. To which all we have to offer is, that tho' we were then, and still are of the opinion (with Submission to the better Judgements of the Lords of Council for Trade and plantations) that the Reasons laid down in the said petitioa were very Sufficient to justify the proceedings of that Assembly with relacon to a Con- tribution of men and money for New York; Yet so great is the defercrice we have for yo'' Maj*'^^ recommendation of that affair to the present General Assembly, that tho' the said reasons seem to us to be still in full force, We have taken no notice of them, but have used our best endeavors consistent with the methods of Assembly to further the intent of Yo' jyjg^tus gracious Letter with the House of Burgesses, and to take some good method with the said House for Yo"" Ma''*"* satis- faction.
And therefore we doubt not Yo' Majestys candid construc- tion of our proceedings and endeavors, w"^*^ tho' ineffectual to overcome the general dissatisfactions of the Country and their Rcijresentatives in this affair of New York, Yet we think it our duty to assure Yo'' Majesty that you reign entirely in the hearts of Yo'' Virginia Subjects, and that there are none in all yo'
Jr. oJ b
oT
s». Jf!nrx::;i£ b-')qy;:^.y si*;
••'■I J ;?-
.{ biUj i.'b«'jT Tj
Slf; /J J cot; f';: jyY
oi! j; < •i-.j y.'jiji -j/V ,y'>rol !iui tu il;)J? sd OJ c
9As.J o^ b'-j; .K-y
; } f ,Air>( ■
COUNCIL PAPERS. 73
Dominions better affected to Yo"" Matys person and Govern- ment than they are.
And upon this occasion we humbly take leave to congratulate the wonderfull Success of Yo'' Ma''°^ Forces by Sea and land in this last Summers expedition, and to pray to Almighty God that the remaining part of yo'' auspicious Reign may answer so glorious a begining, to yo' Maj*''^* immortal honour the terror of yo"^ enemies, and the happiness of all yo'' Subjects and Allies William Byrd E Jenings J Lightfoot
Benja Harrison Matthew Page James Blair
Robert Carter Phill. Ludwell jun' Wm Bassett
Jno. Custis -, . Hen. Duke.
Memorandum
April y^ 24"' 1703. His Excell'cy was pleased to appoint Major Arthur Allen to be Naval Officer & Collector of the Virg'a dutys in the Upper District of James River who thereupon took the Oaths appointed by Act of parliam' to be taken in stead of the Oaths of Allegiance & Supremacy Subscribed the Test & took the Oath of Naval Officer, And entered into three sev'U Bonds for the due execution of his Office with Henry Duke of James City County Esq'' as his Security.
Money Furnished by Virginia to New York
Received of his Excellency Francis Nicholson Esq' her Majestys Lieuten' and Governor Gen'll of her Colony and Dominion of Virginia, three bills of Exchange all of the same tenure & dale, upon Messieurs Micajah Perry Tho: Lane & Rich'* Perry Merchants in London for the Sum of 900 lb. Sterl- ing, which said Sum of 900 lb. Sterling is the Quota appointed by his late Majestys Royal comands dated the 19'''' of January 1700-1 and by her present Majestys Royal commands dated the day of to be furnished by her Matys s**
Colony of Virginia towards the ffortifications on the Frontiers of New York ; but the Colony of Virginia having refused in the
er
u.. .
I <';rr'\
Jii
>u
74 VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
Gen '11 Assembly to raise the s'' Sum of 900 lb. Sterling required by the Crowii, & his s^ Excellency having given the s*^ three Bills upon his own Credit, through the zeal he has for the service of the Queen, I do hereby promise & engage that unless the Queen shall be pleased to allow the s'^ bills to be paid out of her Ma'tys Quitt rents of the Colony of Virginia the s'' bills shall immediatly be cancelled & made void & of none effect Witness my hand this 24''' day of May, 1703. ' ' ''' '^ ; ^ " ' - . Combury
Additional Instructions Lurs Sigilli Anne R — to our Trusty and Welbeloved Francis Nicholson Esq"" Our Lieut- enant and Governor General of our Colony and Dominion of Virginia. Given at our Court at S* James's the 7'^ day of January 1702-3 in the first year of our Reign. Whereas it has been represented to us that Ships sailing from our plantacons in America without Convoy during this time of War are Subject to great hazards, and that diverse of them have been taken by the Enemy to the great Loss and detriment of our Loving Subjects: And whereas for the preventing the mis- chiefs that may happen in that manner to the Trade of those parts, We have been pleased to give direction that a Convoy do proceed from hence with the outward bound ships the latter end of this instant January, Which Convoy is to return from Virginia the first or tenth of July next with the Trade that shall then be ready to accompany them, and that another Convoy be likewise sent with such Ships as shall be ready to sail from hence to Virginia & Maryland in July next, It is therefore our will and pleasure that you take especial care that during the time of War, no ships do sail from Virginia otherwise than with Con- voy, Such ships only excepted as shall have Licence from Us under our Royal Sign manual, our Order in Council, or from our high Admiral. And for yo"" so doing this shall be yo' Warrant.
- •-•■-• A. R. ■ ■
ififfl J
mt -t rntfjor >s ^-t vovno") rf'->if{V/ .Yifiwiwl. Jr
council papers. 75
Board of Trade to the Governor of Virginia.
^ _ . . ,, . Whitehall January the 2Q'^ 1702-3 Sir
Since our Letters of the 4''' and IV^ November, We have not received any from you; So that what we have now chiefly to acquaint you with is in relation to the Convoys appointed this year for Virginia & Maryland.
The Merchants trading to those parts not agreeing as you did foresee about the time for the sailing of those Convoys, nor about the restraining or permitting ships to return from thence without Convoy; Her Majesty has been pleased to give her directions according to the Instructions w'^'' you will herewith receive.
The Arms and Stores formerly appointed for Virginia are now ready, tho' they are not in the same quantity as you de- sired, Yet they are as many as her Majesty could conveniently spare. They will be sent to you by the first Convoy, and we do not doubt but you will make the best use of them for the defence of yo'^ Govemm*. So we bid 3'ou heartily farewell.
Yo' very Loving Friends Rob. Cecil John Pollexfen Ph: Meadows
Mat Prior Wm. Blathwayt.
March y« 25"^ 1703
We herewith send you two lett'^ from the Earl of Nottingham relating to the French & Spaniards upon occasion of the present war, not doubting of yo'' care in observing the directions thereby given within her Matys province imder yo'' Government.
Governor and Council of Md. to the Governor of Virginia
Maryland port of Aimapolis May 5^^ 1703 May it please yo'^ Excell'cy
We being Sensible by many signal instances how ready yo* Evcell'cy is on all occasions to promote the Trade as well of yo*
CT
ly.. .
:■?.
.a\rnen
TO aovi-
tOTX ^T. Y
76 VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE,
own as this Countrey & others concerned therein, especially in the many speedy notices you have been pleased to give us on all occasions to joine the Convoys from yo' Excell'cys Government, and that to yo"" no small trouble & expence — presuming upon yo"^ wonted goodness, We address Ourselves to yo' Excell'cy for yo'' favourable protection to Cap* James Mitchell comman- der of the ship Owners Adventure of London who has lately received many abuses and hard threats from Cap' Nathaniel Bostock Commander of her Matys Advice boat the Eagle (now supposed to be in yo"" Excell'cys Govemm*) and is still appre- hensive of further insults from him; Therefore in regard the said Mitchell is a fair Trader and a very Civil honest man (in his way) We intreat yo"" Excell'cy will be pleased to grant him yo"^ protection that his person may not be abused nor his Voy- age cndammaged or retarded by the said Cap' Bostock 's im- pressing his men or otherwise within yo'^ Govemm', In w"'*' you will continue to oblige Sr
Yo'' Ex'cys most faithful humble Serv'' Jno Hammond Thomas Tench Presid*
Edw'J Lloyd Robert Smith
Wm Holland '" ' James Sanders ' - - :>
(To be Continued) '
I. .,1
uov ■^- A „^ -A :-
Id isom a^^'xH ■*©¥
bttoamwE oir\ riji.ncl jixJo^ byoU ' wha
'") •MWn.o'^) fKf oT)
VIRGINIA IN 1678, . \ ' 77
VIRGINIA IN 1678.
(Abstracts by W. N. Sainsbury, and copies in the McDonald and De Jamette Papers, Virginia State Library.) (continued)
July 6, 1678 Certified copy by Gov. Jeffreys of a deposition of Paul Williams in reference to what Col. Edward Hill said concerning his Maj. letter if any should come in favour of Byrd [indorsed by Col. Moryson] "who was a prisoner of Bacon's and carried about with him when Col. \\^amer was plundered for which they have awarded a thousand pound for Bird to pay tho' after his Maj. pardon." Indorsed Read. 14 Dec. 1678. (Colonial Papers. 1. p.)
Virginia July 10, 1678 Governor Herbert Jeffreys to Colonel Francis Mory- son—Wrote him a full account of all affairs last week by Capt. Jeffreys of the Golden Fortune, and now refers him to the bearer Col. Place, an eye witness of many of the particulars — Desires he will inform himself of what he long since propecied, what a sad and hard game Jeffreys had and has still to play, besides the misery of sickness he has undergone and is not yet quite rid of.
(Colonial Papers. 1. p.)
James City, Virginia, Aug. 8, 1678 Wm. Sherwood to Secretary Sir Joseph Williamson. The peace of the Country interrupted by the malice of discon- tented persons of the late Governor Berkeley's party who en- deavour to bring a contempt upon Col. Jeffreys, their present good Governor — the chief being Lady Berkeley, Col. PhiHp Ludwell, Thos. Ballard, Col. Edward Hill & Major Robt. Beverley, all cherished by Sec. Ludwell, who acts severely. Their faction upheld by the hope of Lord Culpeper doing
rr 3WI MI jtvj^iojiiv
'■■■riV
(.q .1 .ai^fiil Lsin,
78 VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
mighty things for them. Is hated and abused for opposing that faction & vindicating the King's authority — Refers him to the bearer Col. Rowland Place, for a more ample accoimt. (Colonial Papers. 1. p.)
'-'' Sept. 24, 1678
■ ■■ ' ' List of Acts made in Virginia transmitted by Capt.
■■'"' Jefferies and received from M' Secretary Coventry on the
24th of Sept. 1678^ Sir Wm. Berkeley Governor. ' '• ■ '"- Which Acts begin in March 1660 and end in October 1677. ''^■'^ r '"-' 1st Session from 3 March 1660 to 23 Dec. 1662.
2 Dec. 1662 to Sept. 1663. 10 Sept. 1663—20 Sept. 1664. 20 Sept. 1664—10 Oct. 1665. 5 June 1666.
5 June 1666—23 Oct. 1666. 23 Sept. 1667. ^^"f""
23 Sept. 1667—17 Sept. 1668. 17 Sept. 1668—20 Oct. 1669. 20 Oct. 1669—3 Oct. 1670.
3 Oct. 1670—20 Sept. 1671. 20 Sept. 1671—24 Sept. 1672.
24 Sept. 1672—20 Oct. 1673.
20 Oct. 1673—21 Sept. 1674.
21 Sept. 1674—7 Mar. 1675. 5 June 1676.
20 Feb. 1676-7. ■ -
10 Oct. 1677.
(Colonial Entry Bk. No. 84.) '•-■^' .- vj- • Also Copies of the above Acts certified by Robt. Beverley, Clerk of the Assembly.
(Ibid. pp. 1-102.) ■'• "•' - ■■ ■■■ .. '»: ■
|
2nd Do |
|
|
3rd Do |
|
|
4'^' Do. |
|
|
•■ '- |
5'^ Do. |
|
• 1- . ! |
6^*^ Do. |
|
> ■■ " , : |
7'h Do. |
|
' ::,',.■-■ |
S*"^ Do. |
|
(;n<.-i |
9'*^ Do. |
|
K;,.'j :. ^ |
''^ 10'^ Do. |
|
'•} |
IV' Do. |
|
< r |
12'»^ Do. |
|
13*'' Do. |
|
|
14"> Do. |
|
|
'.■'■■" ■ |
15^1^ Do. |
|
16'^' Do. |
|
|
'■.■ .•, : |
17"' Do. |
|
.■.-. . |
• 18 'I' Do. |
Oct. 25, [1678]
Col. Francis Moryson to W. Blathwayt, Sends an order
lately received from Virginia [see 23 Oct. 1677.] wliich will
give their Lordships (of Trade & Plantations) a prospect of
the arrogancy of Virginia Assemblies — It was made by an
.awsA. <i*v
r^ •'
.dbdl 1^
l^oi
! fT < Y • 1
JdoX
|
.oU |
a^ij |
|||
|
.oa |
'^H? |
|||
|
.C<I |
'i'OI |
|||
|
a |
*• ft. |
|||
|
.<*a |
•^«^i |
|||
|
-- |
' ■ |
1 |
||
|
> ' A |
bI |
|||
|
(M |
r.M |
>rnt v-f-frtM c* |
;rn<>lu'~>) |
|
|
o |
AA |
|||
|
.- |
♦ |
'. |
N.-O |
w#v»o n
VIRGINIA IN 1G78. ■: • • ,.. 79
Assembly which was called after their coming away — that which sat during the time the Commiss" executed their Commission, never so much as questioned their power which was sufficiently understood — This very Beverley (that com- plained) had a sight of as much as concerned his de- livery of the records before they had them — Did not think it necessary to record an executed Commission in an Inferior Court — This order was made by the House of Burgesses and not by both Houses so he will see how unfit Appeals in causes lye to them from the Governor & Council that make the other house. , . ,
(Colonial Papers. 1. p.) ... > .
Oct 29 [1678]
Col. Francis Moryson to [Wm. Blathwayt] — Has sent the Conunission the Commiss" acted upon in Virginia that the Lords may be informed the records and other papers were com- manded by virtue of their Commission and not by force as the Order of Assembly imports (see 23 Oct. 1677). That Beverley had a sight of said Commission before he delivered the records.
Rej^lies to other points in reference to said Order.
(Colonial Papers. 1. p.)
Whitehall, Oct. 30, 1678 Order of the Privy Council on Representation of the Assembly of Virginia to Gov. Jeffryes setting forth that his IMaj. Conmiissioners had forced from the Clerk of the Assembly all their original journals, acts and other public papers which they took as a great violation of their privileges and de- sired that they might be assured no such violation should be offered for the future, his Maj. taking notice of the great pre- sumption of said Assembly in calling in question his authority derived to his said Commissioners refers the consideration thereof to the Lords of Trade and Plantations for their report wluil, lln-y till 111. fit to be done in vindication of his Maj. auth- oiiiy and (vv biinging said Assembly to a due sense and acknow- le(l[.anent of their duty and submission towards his Maj. and such as arc coir.missionated by him — also to prepare a Scheme
•V
•n>>U>iv
;„' > ■ \>
80 VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
of Laws & Orders to be transmitted to said Colony of Virginia. (Colonial Papers. 1. p.)
Dec 13, [1678] Col. Francis Moryson to [Wm. Blathwayt]. Has advice that Col. Rowland Place is lately arrived from Virginia — He is the gentlemen Gov. Jeffreys mentions as able to give a true in- formation of all transactions in Virginia since the Commiss" coming away [see letter of 10 July 1678] — He is one of the Coun- cil and a very honest Gentleman — Conceives it necessary for the King's service to have a true prospect into the affairs there before Lord Culpeper goes — Wishes him to defer giving in the papers — the Queen [of Pamunkey]'s letter & complaint — the Governor's deposition concerning the denial of his Maj. letter in the case of Bird, and the Interpreter's letter. (Colonial Papers. 1. p.)
Dec 12, 1678
Minutes of a Committee for Trade and Plantations — Proposals received from Lord Culpeper in reference to the Governor of Virginia (read on 14 Dec.) "in pursuance of his Maj. commands" with marginal notes — Some of the Articles are "agreed" (see Orders of 14 and 20 Dec. 1678.) — These heads were delivered in Jan'y 1677 (-8) to Secretary Coventry and read at the Committee of Foreign affairs in May last, but by reason of my Lord Treasurer's absence, nothingdone — But on the IP'' August after a full debate upon every one, it was resolved as in the margin and so set down by M' Secretary Some lesser points were then also agreed to.
(Colonial Papers.)
Another Copy is entered in Col. Entry Bk. No. 80. pp. 258- 263.
(To be Continued)
t
•9iSi .qq .08 xsVl .iH r
Q
o 'A
w
w
Q
C-r Pi
It: tnc t-I,
-4 ,tn{;
»l*'V-'
GENEALOGY.
81
GENEALOGY.
The Gorsuch and Lovelace Families.
(By J. H. P., Baltimore, Md.)
(iorsiiicf)*
A brief but very interesting sketch of the Love- lace and Gorsuch families, representatives of which were early settlers in Virginia, Maryland and New York, contributed by the editor, ap- peared in The Virginia Magazine in 1909 (Vol. XVII-p. 288-293). The editor also presented new evidence identifying Francis Lovelace, the early colonial governor of New York (1G68-1673), as a brother of Richard Lovelace, the poet, of the Bethorsden family of Lovelace, and disproving the usually accepted statement that he was of the Hurley branch of the Lovelace family and a son of John Lovelace, Baron Lovelace, of Hurley. Ac- companying this sketch there was published a chart pedigree of the Lovelace and Gorsuch fami- lies showing connections by descent or m.arriage with the families of Sandys, Gilbert, Raleigh, Bame, Digges, Wyatt and with other noted fami- lies whose names are intimately associated with the early efforts to colonize Virginia.
Since the publication of this sketch in The Virginia Magazine several years ago, the present writer has secured a great deal of data in regard to the Lovelace and Gorsuch families which was not accessible to the editor at the time the sketch just referred to was written, which corroborates the evidence then produced as regards the identity of Governor Love- lace, and also gives much additional information in regard to the early Lovelace and Gorsuch settlers in the new world, and their English an- cestors. Photographs recently secured of several members of these families as well as of places of interest with which their names arc asso- ciated, also seem of sufficient interest to warrant publication.
The few errors which have been detected in the sketch just referred to arc due to the fact that some of the evidence in the hands of the editor was meagre and therefore misleading, or due to clerical errors in copying
82 VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
the original records. Attention will be directed to any statements which additional evidence or a reexamination of the original records, has shown to be incorrect. While the reader is referred to the sketch itself for the evidence which is there presented in full, it will be well to summarize here the main points of the evidence as presented, which have an important bearing upon the subject. (1) The Gorsuch pedigree in the Visitation of London, 1G33. (2) Daniel Gorsuch's will, 163S. (3) Petition of Richard, Robert and Charles Gorsuch, sons of John Gorsuch, to the Lancaster, Va. court, April 1, 1657, for the appointment of their sister, Katherine Whilty* as guardian. (4) Con- firmation by Charles Gorsuch of the title to land in Maryland granted to his ijiother, Lovelace Gorsuch, in 1G6I. (5) A letter from Governor Francis Lovelace of New York to Governor Berkeley of Virginia, De- cember I), 1C)G9, requesting the lattcr's interest in liehalf of Will Whitbey, a son of Lovelace's niece, Mrs. i?«//jt Gorsuch. (G) Deed of gift of Anna Todd of Maryland mentioning her brother Charles Gorsuch, 1070. (7) Marriai'.c certiticate of Charles Gorsuch, 1090 1, giving his parentage. (8) Will of William Whitby, Jr., 1076, of Middlesex County, Va.
Based upon the above evidence, the editor in his sketch stated that the first mention of the Gorsuch family in Virginia ocucrred in the petition of 1657 to the court of Lancaster County, Va., by Richard, Robert and Charles Gorsuch, "sons and coheirs of John Gorsuch, P'fessor in Divin- ity," that their sister Katherine [Vhitty might be appointed their guardian for their English interests, and that Francis Moryson (afterwards gov- ernor of Virginia) guardian for their Virginia estate.
Attention was also called to the fact that these three brothers soon afterwards moved to Maryland, where their names thereafter appeared upon the records of that colony, and further that in 1609 title to certain lands in Maryland, granted to another brother, Lovelace Gorsuch in 1001, was confirmed by Charles and Lovelace Gorsuch. It was also noted that January 13, 1070-7 Mrs. Anna Todd, widow of Thomas Todd, of Baltimore County, made her brother Charles Gorsuch her attorney to transfer certain lands to her children. Still further corroboration of the Gorsuch pedigree was noted by him in the certificate of marriage of Charlc, C}orsuch dated 1090-1 to Anne Hawkins, recorded in the West River, Md. Quaker Meeting records in which it is stated that Charles wa.i theson of John and Anne Gorsuch, of the Kingdom of England, de- ceased. The above evidence from the colonial records cited by him, led the editor to the conclusion that John and Anne Gorsuch had four sons, Richard, Robert, Charles and Lovelace, and three daughters, Katherine Whitty, Ruth Whitby and Anne Todd. Attention was further directed to
*As will be shown later, the correct reading of this name in the Lan- caster records is Whitby not W/iiHy.
jThe reading Ru.'h Gorsuch is also an error in copying. The correct reading in the original is Kalli Gorsuch. In modern terms she would have been "Miss Kath Gorsuch."
GENEALOGY. " ' ' 83
the fact that the Gorsuch pedigree in the Visitation of London, 1633, showed that the Rev. John Gorsuch, rector of Walkem, married Anne Lovelace, sister of the poet Richard Lovelace and daughter of Sir William Lovelace of Bethersden, Kent, and that in addition to the above, they had three older sons, Daniel, John and William.
Recent researches by the writer in England and Maryland have added very considerably to our knowledge of the Gorsuch and Lovelace fam- ilies and their connections, and would seem to be of sufficient interest to justify rewriting the Gorsuch pedigree with the new evidence upon which the corrected pedigree is based, and also presenting a sketch of the Love- lace family. Some of this new material has been obtained from English wills and parish register records hitherto unpublished. Additional light has also been thrown upon the subject by an examination of certain more or less inaccessible printed publications. The Maryland records have furnished much new information in regard to the Gorsuch family, while the unpublished and recently published colonial records of New York have cleared up many uncertain questions in regard to several members of the Lovelace family. From the latter sources every doubt in regard to the identity of Francis Lovelace, Governor of New York, has been settled, so that it now is possible to give a more or less accurate sketch of his life and to clear up the confusion which has so long existed in dis- tinguishing between him and Francis Lovelace of Hurley. The photo- graphs of the portraits and places of interest, so far as is known, have never been previously published. Incidentally, in following the fortunes of the various members of the Gorsuch family in their migration from Virginia to Maryland, a fact of very great interest to students of Maryland history has been established. This is that the first actual settlement along the shores of the Patapsco, where the City of Baltimore now stands and in its immediate neighborhood, was made about 1659 by a group of settlers from Lancaster, County, Va. All the evidence points to the fact that many if not all ul these settlers, were recent converts to Quakerism, and that they left Virginia on account of religious persecution, just as a decade before the Virginia Puritans had sought refuge in Maryland and settled Providence, or as it was afterwards called Annapolis, and the neighboring parts of Anne Arundel County.
Gorsuch Pedigree
In the Visitation of London 1033-5 (Ilarleian Society; Visitations Vol. XV- [I. 327) there is to be found the pedigree of the Gorsuch family of Bishopsgate Ward, London, recorded in 1633 by Daniel Gorsuch of Lon- don, father of the Rev. John Gorsuch, who married Anne Lovelace. An illustration and description of the Gorsuch arms accompanies the pedi- gree.
I. "William Gor.such of London, Marchant, descended out of Lanca- shire nigh Ormchurch." Married "Avice da. of Hillscn, brothers
daughter to Robert Hillson of London, Marchant." Issue.
S6
bu-.a
84 VIRGINIA HISTORICAL MAGAZINE. * '
•'*' II. "Danyell Gorsuch of London, Marchant, late Alderman's deputy of
•- ' Bishopsgate Ward living 1633." An illustration of the arms as borne by
■ ■•' ' Danyell Gorsuch (see illustration) is given and the statement is made that they were by "Letters pattents dated L577 granted to Robert Hill- son of London marchant by Clar. Cooke and continued to the descendants of Gorsuch to bear as their paternal coate." Danyell Gorsuch is stated to have married "Alice da of John Hall of London, marchant sometimes one of the Bridge Maisters." Issue, 1 son and 1 daughter.
III. (l)"John Gorsuch, Rector of Walkhorne in Hertford, 1633." Married "Anne da of Sir William Louelace of Kent, Kt., etc." and (2) "Kalherin, wife of Thomas Haynes of Auborne Wiltshire." John and Anne (Lovelace) Gorsuch had issue living 1633, 3 sons and 1 daughter.
IV. "Danyell Gorsuch aged about 4 yere ao 1633, John, William, ' ■ Catherine."
No efTort has been made by the writer to trace back the Gorsuch family beyond William of Ormskirk (Ormchurch), Lancashire, but confirmation of the Visitation pedigree and much additional data has been obtained from independent sources. The will of Daniel Gorsuch, the father of the Rev. John Gorsuch, has previously been published among Mr. Lathrop Withington's Virginia Gleanings in England in The Virginia Magazine (Vol. XVIT, p. 302-303). The will is quite lengthy and the reader is re- ferred to the Magazine for its full details. Only a few points having a ' ' genealogical interest need be again referred to here. In this will dated
' • ■ October 0th, 1638 and proved November 24. 1638 in the Prerogative ■<" ' ■- Court of Canterbury, Daniel Gorsuch is de.-cribed as of Walkcrne, county • '• Hertford, gent, late citizen and mercer of London. He refers to his wife ■'•' ' Alice and to "Mother Hall, deceased." He mentions his son John and i"^' • the latter's wife Anne, and leaves to him sundry tracts of land, rents, • • leases, etc., as well as horses and cattle about the parsonage grounds. He leaves to his grandson John, son of his son John, certain freeholds in Weston and settles certain other lands in Weston upon his son John's five other children, Daniell, William, Kathcrine, Robert and Richard, and upon any other children who may be bom to his son John. He also makes a bequest of £500 to his daughter Katherine Haynes and leaves to her husband Thomas Haynes £20 for mourning. To his daughter '■' "'^ Ann Gorsuch (wife of John) he leaves £20. To his ^C£f50M Daniel Haynes he leaves £.5. Reference is made to his brother-in-law Johnathah Browne, Doctor of Civil Laws, his brother Richard Bcresford, his coscn Mar- garet Browne, his coscn Barnard, and his coscn Edward Gorsuch in Lans. To William Gorsuch he leaves his gold ring with W. G. engraved in it. This will of Daniell Gorsuch is thus seen to confirm the Visitation pedi- gree and moreover shows that there were two other children of his son, John, viz. Robert and Richard, bom between the date of the Visitation (1633) and the date of the will (October 6, 1638). The Visitation shows that "my godson Daniel Haynes" of the will was in reality his grandson. His brother-in-law Johnathan Browne, Doctor of Civil Laws, will be
GENEALOGY. '85
shown later to be the second husband of Anne Barne who, by her first husband, Sir William Lovelace, was the mother of Anne Lovelace, who had married the testator's son, John Gorsuch. The exact relationship of the other persons mentioned in the will has not been determined.
An examination of the parish register of Ormskirk published bj- the Lancashire Parish Register Society (Vol. XIII) shows numerous entries under the name Gorsutch in the 16th and 17th centuries, although none can be directly identified as of the immediate family of the Rev. John Gorsuch. his father or grandfather, although Edw. Gorsuch, whose son Edw. was buried July 1, 1611, may be "cosen Edward Gorsuch in Lans." mentioned in the will.
The will of Alice Gorsuch. widow of the above mentioned Daniel Gor- such, which the writer has recently been fortunate enough to locate and to secure an abstract of, throws additional light upon the family. Alice Gorsuch outlived her husband twenty-five years. Her will dated July 7, 1662, was proved February 3, 1662-3 in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury.
Abstract of the will of Alice Gorsuch of Weston, co. Hertford, spinster, dated 7 July, 1662. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury — Juxon. 17)
I give