f Trade in_ Virginia, _and the other
Plantations_ 138

INTRODUCTION.

Dedications and Prefaces, which are prefix'd to most Books, being
regarded by few Readers, I think it best for my present Purpose briefly
to mention in an Introduction, what I would have known concerning the
Occasion, Nature, and Use of this Treatise, before I enter upon the main
Work it self.

When I considered the great Benefit that arises to the Publick, from the
large Colony of _Virginia_, I observed, that tho' it be thus
advantageous, yet it is capable of great Improvements still, and
requires several Alterations, both with Regard to its own Welfare, and
the Interest of _Great Britain_. Observing moreover, that few People in
_England_ (even many concerned in publick Affairs of this kind) have
correct Notions of the true State of the Plantations; and having been
eagerly applied to frequently, by Persons of the greatest Figure,
Experience, and Judgment in political and national Concerns, for
Information concerning all the Circumstances of _Virginia_, I was
requested to digest methodically, and publish, what I knew and thought
of these Matters; and being in a great Measure injoined to it by a
_noble Patron_, I have here complied with his Commands, with the best of
my Knowledge and Judgment.

* * * * *

For want of better Information, many that are most willing, capable, or
obliged to promote Religion, Learning, Arts and Trade in _Virginia_, are
either at a Loss how to set about it rightly, or else having engaged
themselves therein, have in a great Measure miscarried in their
Attempts, because true and particular Accounts of it are very difficult
to be obtained; and this Country is altered wonderfully, and far more
advanced and improved in all Respects of late Years, since the beginning
of Colonel _Spotswood's_ Lieutenancy, than in the whole Century before
his Government, which he may be esteemed to have discharged with a
commendable, just, and prudent Administration; a prosperous
Administration, glorious for himself, and advantageous both for the
Crown and the Plantation; whilst he was Lieutenant Governor of that
Colony; whilst that Colony was honoured with such an excellent Governor;
whilst that Governor was happy in such a flourishing, large, and fertile
Colony.

* * * * *

And as this Country has made such a considerabl