America and West Indies: February 1624

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 1, 1574-1660. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1860.

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Citation:

'America and West Indies: February 1624', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 1, 1574-1660, ed. W Noel Sainsbury( London, 1860), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol1/pp57-58 [accessed 29 November 2024].

February 1624



Feb. 16.	2. List of names of the living in Virginia. At College Land there were 29 persons; at the Neck of Land, 41; West and Sherlow Hundred, 45; Jordan's Journey, 42; Flourdien Hundred, 63, including 11 negroes; West and Sherlow Hundred Island, 24; Chaplain's Choice, 24; James City, 182, including 3 negroes; in the Main, 88; James Island, 39, including 1 negro; the Neck of Land, 25; over the river, 33; at the plantation over against James City, 77, including 1 negro; at the Glass House, 5; Archer's Hoop, 14; Hogg Island, 31; Martin's Hundred, 24; Warwick Squeak, 33, including 4 negroes; at Indian Thicket, 11; Elizabeth City, 319, including 2 negroes; Buckrow, 30; Bass' Choice, 20; at the Eastern shore, 76. Total 1,275, including 22 negroes. Also list of names of the dead in Virginia. Total 370, including 15 "killed" and two "lost." [? Sent by Davison to Ferrar. See ante p. 43, No. 28.]
Feb. 16?	3. List of thirteen letters and papers, including one book received from and sent to Virginia. [Several may be identified with those now in the State Paper Office.]
Feb. 28. James City.	4. Gov. Sir Fras. Wyatt, the Council and Assembly of Virginia, to the Privy Council. Have received divers letters from their Lordships, with copy of their orders from the Company, and return thanks to the King for remitting 3d. in the shilling customs on tobacco, and for granting to the colony the sole importation [sic]. Nothing will give more life, or a steadier advancement to the plantation. The charges of the war have so reduced the people that they are unable to set up staple commodities. The fruits of their labour are barely sufficient to clothe and feed them. Intreat the Privy Council to take into consideration that heavy burden in paying for customs above a third of their labours, which they desire may be reduced to five in the hundred. Protest against the accusation that they have neglected the fortifications, building of houses, and providing sustenance for the people. The relation of one that came from hence in these, as in other things, is slanderous and untrue. The King's orders respecting his intention to change the government of Virginia, sent over by Mr. Pory, have been published. Are ignorant of the dangers and ruins that might have befallen the colony by the continuance of the former government. Do not accuse any that have swayed it since Sir Thos. Smythe; their slavery from that time has been converted into freedom. Had not been subject to censure if the bitter effects of the massacre had not clouded their zeal. Desire that the Governors sent over may not have absolute authority, but be restrained, as hitherto, by the Council, which title they request may be retained, and not be converted into the name of Assistants. Inconveniences found by the strict limitations of the Governor and Council to instructions from England. Short continuance of Governors very disadvantageous to the colony. The first year they are raw in experience; the second, begin to understand the affairs of the country; and the third, prepare for their return. Beg they may retain the liberty of their General Assembly. "Nothing can more conduce to our satisfaction or the public utility." Signed by Sir Fras. Wyatt and thirty-one others.
Feb. 28.	5. Copy of the preceding.