rd,
Mistris Harrison,
Mary Dawks,
Annie English,
Rebecca ----,
Master Prowse,
Hugh ----,
John ----,
Edward ----,
Mistris Chamberlin,
Parnel a maid,
Humfrey Sherbrooke,
John Wilkins,
John Burton.

John Scotchmore, } M^r John Pontis his men.
Edward Turner, }

Edward Brewster, Lieutenant Pierce his man.

Thomas Holland, Capt. Whittakers man.

_At Master Walters his house._

Master Edward Walters,
his wife,
a Childe,
a Maid,
a Boy.

The whole number 347.

A BRIEFE DECLARATION
OF THE
PLANTATION OF VIRGINIA

DURINGE THE FIRST TWELVE YEARES, WHEN
SIR THOMAS SMITH WAS GOVERNOR OF
THE COMPANIE, & DOWNE TO THIS
PRESENT TYME.

BY THE

ANCIENT PLANTERS NOWE REMAINING ALIVE IN VIRGINIA.

1624.

PREFACE.

The next paper presented in this collection is a copy of the one from
which Mr. Bancroft quotes in his introductory note to the meeting of the
first Assembly, referring to it as "MS. in my possession." This is
printed from the copy among the McDonald papers, and with its title and
endorsements no intimation is given as to the date of its preparation,
its author or authors, to whom it was addressed, or the use intended to
be made of it. These questions are, however, answered almost entirely by
reference to the entries in "Sainsbury's Calendar of State Papers,"
which, on pp. 65-'6, has the following: "1624. July. Petition of Gov.
Sir Francis Wyatt, the Council and Assembly of Virginia to the King.
Have understood that his Majesty, notwithstanding the unjust
disparagement of the Plantation, has taken it under his especial care;
intreat that credit may not be given to the late declarations presented
to his Majesty concerning the happy, but indeed miserable, estate of the
Colony during the first twelve years (of Sir Thos. Smith's government),
nor to the malicious imputations which have been laid upon the late
government. Inclose the true state of both, and earnestly request that
the present government may be continued. Pray that the King's tender
compassion will not allow them to fall into the hands of Sir Thos. Smith
or his confidents." Signed by Sir Fran. Wyatt, Capt. Fan. West, Sir
George Yeardley and eighty-six others. _Inclose._--"Brief Declaration of
the Plantation," &c., giving the whole title of this paper, verbatim,
and a copious abstract of its contents. The earliest account of the
horrors it relates is to be found in Smith'