As also to treate and conclude with such merchants and other
freinds as had manifested their forwardnes to provoke too and adventure
in this vioage. For which end they had instructions given them upon
what conditions they should proceed with them, or els to conclude
nothing without further advice. And here it will be requisite to inserte
a letter or too that may give light to these proceedings.

_A coppie of leter from Sir Edwin Sands, directed to M^r. John Robinson
& M^r. William Brewster._

After my hartie salutations. The agents of your congregation, Robert
Cushman & John Carver, have been in co[=m]unication with diverse
selecte gentlemen of his Majesties Counsell for Virginia; and by y^e
writing of 7. Articles subscribed with your names, have given them y^t
good degree of satisfaction, which hath caried them on with a
resolution to sett forward your desire in y^e best sorte y^t may be,
for your owne & the publick good. Divers perticulers wherof we leave
to their faithfull reporte; having carried them selves heere with that
good discretion, as is both to their owne and their credite from
whence they came. And wheras being to treate for a multitude of
people, they have requested further time to conferr with them that are
to be interessed in this action, aboute y^e severall particularities
which in y^e prosecution therof will fall out considerable, it hath
been very willingly assented too. And so they doe now returne unto
you. If therfore it may please God so to directe your desires as that
on your parts ther fall out no just impediments, I trust by y^e same
direction it shall likewise appear, that on our parte, all forwardnes
to set you forward shall be found in the best sorte which with reason
may be expected. And so I betake you with this designe (w^ch I hope
verily is y^e worke of God), to the gracious protection and blessing
of the Highest.

Your very loving freind
EDWIN SANDYS.

London, No[~v]b^r 12.
An^o 1617.

_Their answer was as foloweth._

Righte Wor^pl:

Our humble duties remembred, in our owne, our messengers, and our
churches name, with all thankfull acknowledgmente of your singuler
love, expressing [21] itselfe, as otherwise, so more spetially in your
great care and earnest endeavor of our good in this weightie bussines
aboute Virginia, which y^e less able we are to requite, we shall
thinke our selves the more bound to commend in