The Present State of Virginia Part 1

The Present State of Virginia.

by Hugh Jones.

INTRODUCTION.

Dedications and Prefaces, which are prefix'd to most Books, being regarded by few Readers, I think it best for my present Purpose briefly to mention in an Introduction, what I would have known concerning the Occasion, Nature, and Use of this Treatise, before I enter upon the main Work it self.

When I considered the great Benefit that arises to the Publick, from the large Colony of _Virginia_, I observed, that tho' it be thus advantageous, yet it is capable of great Improvements still, and requires several Alterations, both with Regard to its own Welfare, and the Interest of _Great Britain_. Observing moreover, that few People in _England_ (even many concerned in publick Affairs of this kind) have correct Notions of the true State of the Plantations; and having been eagerly applied to frequently, by Persons of the greatest Figure, Experience, and Judgment in political and national Concerns, for Information concerning all the Circ.u.mstances of _Virginia_, I was requested to digest methodically, and publish, what I knew and thought of these Matters; and being in a great Measure injoined to it by a _n.o.ble Patron_, I have here complied with his Commands, with the best of my Knowledge and Judgment.

For want of better Information, many that are most willing, capable, or obliged to promote Religion, Learning, Arts and Trade in _Virginia_, are either at a Loss how to set about it rightly, or else having engaged themselves therein, have in a great Measure miscarried in their Attempts, because true and particular Accounts of it are very difficult to be obtained; and this Country is altered wonderfully, and far more advanced and improved in all Respects of late Years, since the beginning of Colonel _Spotswood's_ Lieutenancy, than in the whole Century before his Government, which he may be esteemed to have discharged with a commendable, just, and prudent Administration; a prosperous Administration, glorious for himself, and advantageous both for the Crown and the Plantation; whilst he was Lieutenant Governor of that Colony; whilst that Colony was honoured with such an excellent Governor; whilst that Governor was happy in such a flouris.h.i.+ng, large, and fertile Colony.

And as this Country has made such a considerable Progress, under the Management of the late Governor _Spotswood_; so have we all imaginable Prospect that it will in the same regular course proceed towards its greatest Perfection, under the Care and Conduct of the present Governor Colonel _Drysdale_.

The Scales of Justice are now fix'd there upon their true Balance, and the Course of Trade is nearly confined to its right Channel.

Arts, Sciences, Trades, and useful Inventions are now planted there in some Measure, and with due Cultivation may thrive wonderfully.

Providence has furnish'd this Province with all Necessaries of Life, and Industry may supply it with all Conveniences and Advantages, for Profit, Ease, and Pleasure.

The best Measures have been concerted and proposed, and Schemes have been nicely drawn for the Encouragement of useful Discoveries and laudable Undertakings, both for the Security and Benefit of the Publick.

And as in Blessings temporal, so in spiritual Concernments, might the _Virginians_ abound, were the Attempts that have been, or may be, made for the due Regulation of the Church, as well as State, brought to Maturity: Were the Laws more plain and particular in Relation to Livings; so that the Labours of the Clergy might be rewarded with less Trouble and Ill-Will in their Preferment to Parishes, and collecting their Dues and Salaries; and were the Principles and Practice of Religion more firmly establish'd, which might easily be done without interfering with the Interest of the People, or Const.i.tution of the Government; with but few Corrections and Alterations, and but little additional Expence.

More especially at this eminent Juncture of his _Majesty_'s most Christian Goodness, in converting his Palace at _Whitehall_ into a College of Preachers; and founding in the Universities Courts of Statesmen perfectly instructed in modern Languages and History.

For if at _Home_ he has in this Respect, as well as others, excelled his Royal Predecessors, why may we not hope that his charitable Benefactions may likewise be extended _Abroad_ to the Church and College of the most antient and loyal Colony of _Virginia_? Through the Means of such great and good Governors in Church, as his Grace the _Archbishop of Canterbury_, and his Lords.h.i.+p the _Bishop of London_; the first of which eminent Patrons of Religion and Learning is Chancellor of the College of _William and Mary_ at _Williamsburgh_ in _Virginia_; and to the other belongs the weighty Care and Charge of the Church and Clergy of all that and the other _English_ Plantations.

Why may we not hope that the College founded and endowed there by King _William_ and Queen _Mary_ of ever blessed Memory, may _partake of the royal_ Favours of our present _most gracious Sovereign_? Why may we not hope that the Church confirmed there in each Reign since Queen _Elizabeth's_, may be duly regulated by the pious Directions of his present _Majesty_?

_These are Actions_ suitable to the _Genius_ of our _mighty Monarch_: These are Undertakings worthy of the Negotiation of such pious and learned Bishops; to whose Consideration the following Sheets are in the most submissive Manner offered, humbly requesting their Lords.h.i.+p's Excuse for this presumptive Freedom; occasioned by the zealous Affection which I have for the Colony, which princ.i.p.ally induced me to this Work, in order to vindicate the Place and People from undeserved Calumny, to make publick true Informations of them, to proclaim to the World their just Praises, and to prove as instrumental as possible in the Service of Religion, Learning, Arts, advantageous Undertakings, and the Trade of that Plantation; to do which, I think my self strictly obliged by Grat.i.tude and Conscience.

There are several Books upon this Subject, but none descends to the present State and Circ.u.mstances of this Colony, nor proposes what Methods may seem most conducive to the Promotion of its best Interest in all Respects; but without particular Knowledge of these Things no useful Designs can be carried to the best Advantage, neither by the Government, Societies, Companies, nor by private Persons.

Wherefore I composed this as a Supplement to those other Books; treating herein for the most Part of such Heads, as are altogether omitted, or but slightly accounted for, or described by others.

For though some may have perfect Information and true Notions of these Things; yet the generality of Mankind are utter Strangers to what I here specify, and entertain commonly very erroneous and monstrous Thoughts concerning the Country, Lives, Religion and Government of the _Virginians_; so that there seemed a great Necessity for a Book of this kind; which I have made as plain and intelligible as I possibly could, and composed in the best Method that I could devise for the Service of the Plantations, more particularly _Virginia_, _Maryland_, and _North Carolina_, where I have been.

I have industriously avoided the ornamental Dress of Rhetorical Flourishes, esteeming them unfit for the naked Truth of historical Relations, and improper for the Purpose of general Propositions.

Besides its Truth and my real Design of publick Service, this mean Piece has little to recommend it to the Approbation of Mankind, and to introduce it to a candid Reception in the World. Nevertheless I venture to present it with the greatest Submission to the Candour of the Reader, with Hopes that it may meet with a kind Acceptance; humbly requesting the following Favours of the Readers, _viz._

That they would be pleased to excuse and correct the Errors of the Press.

That if any material Alterations have happened to be made that I know not of, since I left _Virginia_ (which is above two Years) they will give favourable Allowances for my Accounts of such Things, and not censure me as if I endeavoured to impose Falshoods upon the World; and I hope the same will be granted for any trivial Mistakes which I may have made through Forgetfulness, or for want of Opportunity of Consultation and Advice in any small circ.u.mstantial Point, or in any _proper Name_.

And lastly, since Improvement might be made for the joint Advantage of _Virginia_ and _Great Britain_ in so many particular Respects; therefore I hope what I have instanced in the following _State_ and _Schemes_ will be look'd upon as sufficient for my Purpose, without making Mention of several other beneficial Things of the Nature and Use of which I have but little Knowledge; such as Cotton, Pepper, with the large thick Husks of Acorns for the Diers Use, with the like.

THE STATE OF VIRGINIA.

PART I.

CHAP. I.