De gedenkwaardige reizen vanden beroemden Capiteyn Johan Smith na Virginien; gedaan in den jare 1606. en ...

1606

proposers of this colony, had for years asked and insisted upon this with his friends; but found little hearing; finally weighing the matter with persons of standing, myself, Mr. E. Wingfield, Mr. Robert Hunt, and various others, we had our designs drawn up for a year, but could reach no result until, through our great diligence and expense, some of the great and small nobility and merchants began to gain an understanding of it, so that His Majesty, through his open letters and patent, granted a commission for a council assembly to govern the affairs here, and an executive government there. Another year passed in the execution of this, until finally 3 ships were equipped; one of 100, one of 40, and a pinnace small ship of 20 tons. The management of ship and people was recommended to Captain Christopher Newport, a seaman who was well-versed in the western parts of America: but the order of government there was enclosed in a box, which was not to be opened, nor the government made known, until we had landed in Virginia.

Gosnold first seeks to populate Virginia. Consults with some council about it.

To which the King grants a patent.

A fleet of 3 ships made ready under Captain Newport.

Departure of the fleet.

On December 29, 1606, we sailed from Blackwall; but due to headwind, we remained in sight of England for about 6 weeks; during which time Mr. Hunt, our preacher, was so sick and weak that one despaired of his recovery. And although he was no more than about 8 or 9 miles from his home (since we were lying in the Downs at that time), yet he could not, notwithstanding the persistent stormy weather, nor the shameful shamelessness of a few among us, and that of the greatest rank, no better than atheists, who suggested as much to him, be moved to even give a pretense of it,

Sickness of Mr. Hunt.