hardly be supposed that the crown would divest itself of all interest or concern in its government. The object aimed at was to make it available as a part of its dominions, and the advantages derived both to the settlers and the proprietors, were regarded as a sufficient compensation, or equivalent, for the conditions and restraints to which they were subjected. It is but doing justice to the spirit, the designs, and the relations of the parties to this compact of government; it is but justice to the prevailing sentiments of those times; and more truly is it justice to the progress of free principles and the subsequent triumphs of civil and religious liberty, to say that the plan devised, however imperfect and exceptionable it may now appear, was originally framed with a view to protect and promote their several rights and interests. We have already seen how gradually the human mind awakened from the darkness which had humbled it, and in the brighter progress of our own history we shall see how gloriously it ultimately cast off the shackles which ignorance, and prejudice, and superstition, and bigotry had for ages bound around it. "From this period," says the same historian "the progress of the two provinces, Virginia and New England, form a regular and connected story. The former in the south and the latter in the north, may be considered as the original and parent colonies. in imitation of which, and under whose shelter all others have been successively planted and reared." But as the settlements made in the colony of Virginia were of an earlier date, and as it better subserves the design of this work, we propose first to trace its history and will then proceed with that of New England.

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CHAPTER VIII.

WE have already had occasion to observe the peculiar disadvantages under which these early settlements were attempted. Without entering into a particular detail of the trials, hardships, dangers and sufferings with which the colonies had to contend in their infancy, we will find abundant matter for pleasing and profitable speculation to trace their advancement, and mark their progress through all these perils, till we find them assuming a rank and consideration, which from its more intimate bearing on our own governmental history, deserves our most interested attention. "It will exhibit a spectacle no less striking than instructive, and presents an opportunity which rarely oceurs, of contemplating a society in the first moment of its political existence, and of observing how its spirit forms in its infant state, how its principles begin to unfold as it advances, and how those characteristic qualities which distinguish its maturer age are successively acquired.”*

The first expedition which was fitted out for the southern colony of Virginia, sailed from London under the direction of Capt. Newport, on the 19th day of December, in the year 1606. It consisted of one vessel of about one hundred tons burthen, two barques, and one hundred and five persons. They bore with them sealed documents which contained the names of the council appointed for the government of the colony in America; which were to be opened and the persons proclaimed within twenty-four hours after they should

* Robertson.

arrive at the coast of Virginia. The point of their destination was Roanoke. After having been out about four months they lost their reckoning, and while deliberating upon the expediency of returning to England, they were driven by a violent storm into the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. On the 26th of April, 1607, they descried its southern point which they called Cape Henry, where a small party of them attempted to land, but being opposed by the natives and some of them being seriously wounded, they returned again to their vessel. A few days afterward they discovered a point which they called Cape Charles. They soon after entered the mouth of a large river which they called James River in honor of their sovereign. Proceeding some distance up its channel they landed on the 22d June, and planted a settlement which they called Jamestown. Having opened their documents and proclaimed the names of the council, they proceeded to elect a president, when Mr. Edward Wingfield was chosen to fill the office. Capt. Newport sailed for England on the 15th of July following, leaving at Jamestown one small vessel and one hundred and four colonists. Previous to his departure their necessities were supplied from the stores which had been laden on board of the ships. That which was left to them, having received much damage during the voyage, was rendered deleterious and unpalatable by the progress of decay. Thus they became a more easy prey to the diseases of the climate, and before the frosts of winter came to check the progress of sickness among them, about fifty of their number were consigned to the tomb. The hardships to which the survivors were subjected produced a jealousy of the superior comfort in which their president was supposed to live, gave rise to dissatisfaction and

Su

dissension, which resulted in his being deposed, and in the election of Mr. Radcliff to the vacancy. The new president, however, had no more means, nor had he the ability to heal the maladies which now threatened the extinction of this small colony. Its numbers were few, they were without wholesome provisions, were scarcely clothed, and being expos d to all the diseases incident to new countries, were much enfeebled. peradded to all these sources of embarrassment they were daily annoyed and alarmed by the unrelenting hostilities of the natives. If human instrumentality could effect it, it needed the outlay of superior energy, and the influence of commanding talents to accomplish its preservation. In this emergency Capt. Smith was chosen to superintend its affairs. By his skill and exertions a small fort was erected of raw materials for their defence, the natives were discomfited, and the almost expiring colony was restored to a healthful vigor.

While reading the history of mankind, it is at once interesting and instructive to observe how the destinies of the human race are forwarded by that omniscient mind which surveys and directs, and whose mysterious operations control, the allotments of men and nations. Without knowing that this feeble colony was indeed the germ of a future nation, we might wonder at the folly and temerity of those who would seek to sustain it, as affording the least prospect of ameliorating the condition of the country in which it was planted. Scarce had it begun to revive under the efficient administration of its new head, before it was overtaken by a calamity which human wisdom pronounced the signal for its final and complete desolation. In devoting himself assiduously to the duties of his station, and seeking to promote the interests of the colony, as

well as the designs of his sovereign, Captain Smith undertook to explore to its source a neighbouring river. While engaged in prosecuting this object he was surprised by a party of Indians. He offered a resolute resistance to their numerous force, till, finding himself about to be overpowered, he sought safety in flight, but becoming entangled in a swamp was made their prisoner. He elicited their veneration, and preserved himself from immediate massacre by exhibiting to them a mariner's compass. They bore him in savage merriment and exultation through several of their villages, and finally conveyed him to the tent of Powhattan, the most powerful and renowned chief of their tribe.* The chief sentenced him to death, and the sentence was directed to be executed by placing his head on a block and beating it to pieces with a club. Pocahontas, the favorite daughter of the king, now about thirteen years of age, had become deeply interested in the pale stranger, and anxiously supplicated for his life. But Powhattan had grown suspicious of the designs of the white man and was inexorable, and the prisoner was led out to be executed. His head was fastened to the fatal block, and the instrument of death was impending over him. Just as it was about to descend Pocahontas rushed forward, threw herself upon the victim, and covering his head with her own, stayed the blow of the executioner. The chief was afterwards persuaded to spare his life, and after exchanging pledges of amity, liberated and sent him to Jamestown.

Captain Smith had been absent about six weeks, and a less resolute and daring spirit than his would at once have yielded to despair at the condition in which be found the colony on his return. It was reduced to the

* Marshall.