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Title: The Planters of Colonial Virginia

Author: Thomas J. Wertenbaker

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Language: English

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Transcriber's Notes:

1. Corrections to minor spelling, punctuation, or other errors in the original text appear in a detailed list at the end of this e-text.

4. Notations of inconsistencies in the original text, specifically the Appendix, Footnotes and Index, which have been retained, appear at the end of this e-text.


The Planters of Colonial Virginia


The PLANTERS OF
COLONIAL VIRGINIA

By THOMAS J. WERTENBAKER

Title Page Image

New York

RUSSELL & RUSSELL

1959

COPYRIGHT 1922 BY PRINCETON UNIVERSITY PRESS

COPYRIGHT 1958, 1959 BY THOMAS J. WERTENBAKER

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOG CARD NUMBER 59-11228

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA


[i]

PREFACE

America since the days of Captain John Smith has been the land of hope for multitudes in Europe. In many an humble home, perhaps in some English village, or an Ulster farm, or in the Rhine valley, one might find a family assembled for the reading of a letter from son, or brother, or friend, who had made the great venture of going to the New World. "Land is abundant here and cheap," the letter would state. "Wages are high, food is plentiful, farmers live better than lords. If one will work only five days a week one can live grandly."

In pamphlets intended to encourage immigration the opportunities for advancement were set forth in glowing colors. In Virginia alone, it was stated, in 1649, there were "of kine, oxen, bulls, calves, twenty thousand, large and good." When the traveller Welby came to America he was surprised to "see no misery, no disgusting army of paupers, not even beggars;" while Henry B. Fearson noted that laborers were "more erect in their posture, less careworn in their countenances" than those of Europe.

In Virginia, as in other colonies, it was the cheapness of land and the dearness of labor which gave the newcomer his chance to rise. The rich man might possess many thousands of acres, but they would profit him nothing unless he could find the labor to put them under cultivation. Indentured workers met his needs in part, but they were expensive, hard to acquire, and served for only four years. If he hired freemen he[ii] would have to pay wages which in England would have seemed fantastic.

Thus the so-called servants who had completed their terms and men who had come over as freemen found it easy to earn enough to buy small plantations of their own. That thousands did so is shown by the Rent Roll which is published as an appendix to this book. One has only to glance at it to see that the large plantations are vastly outnumbered by the small farms of the yeomen. It proves that Virginia at the beginning of the eighteenth century was not the land of huge estates, worked by servants and slaves, but of a numerous, prosperous middle class.

Owning plantations of from fifty to five hundred acres, cultivating their fields of tobacco, their patches of Indian corn and wheat, their vegetable gardens and orchards with their own labor or the labor of their sons, the yeomen enjoyed a sense of independence and dignity. It was their votes which determined the character of the Assembly, it was they who resisted most strongly all assaults upon the liberties of the people.

As the small farmer, after the day's work was over, sat before his cottage smoking his long clay pipe, he could reflect that for him the country had fulfilled its promise. The land around him was his own; his tobacco brought in enough for him to purchase clothes, farm implements, and household goods.

But he frowned as he thought of the slave ship which had come into the nearby river, and landed a group of Negroes who were all bought by his wealthy neighbors. If Virginia were flooded with slaves, would it not cheapen production[iii] and lower the price of tobacco? Could he and his sons, when they hoed their fields with their own hands, compete with slave labor?

The event fully justified these fears. The yeoman class in Virginia was doomed. In the face of the oncoming tide they had three alternatives—to save enough money to buy a slave or two, to leave the country, or to sink into poverty.

It was the acquiring of a few slaves by the small planter which saved the middle class. Before the end of the colonial period a full fifty per cent. of the slaveholders had from one to five only. Seventy-five per cent. had less than ten. The small farmer, as he led his newly acquired slaves from the auction block to his plantation may have regretted that self-preservation had forced him to depend on their labor rather than his own. But he could see all around him the fate of those who had no slaves, as they became "poor white trash." And he must have looked on with pity as a neighbor gathered up his meager belongings and, deserting his little plantation, set out for the remote frontier.

It was one of the great crimes of history, this undermining of the yeoman class by the importation of slaves. The wrong done to the Negro himself has been universally condemned; the wrong done the white man has attracted less attention. It effectively deprived him of his American birthright—the high return for his labor. It transformed Virginia and the South from a land of hard working, self-respecting, independent yeomen, to a land of slaves and slaveholders.

Princeton, New Jersey Thomas J. Wertenbaker
August, 1957

[iv]


[v]

CONTENTS

CHAPTER I: ENGLAND IN THE NEW WORLD7
CHAPTER II: THE INDIAN WEED21
CHAPTER III: THE VIRGINIA YEOMANRY38
CHAPTER IV: FREEMEN AND FREEDMEN60
CHAPTER V: THE RESTORATION PERIOD84
CHAPTER VI: THE YEOMAN IN VIRGINIA HISTORY101
CHAPTER VII: WORLD TRADE115
CHAPTER VIII: BENEATH THE BLACK TIDE134
NOTES TO CHAPTERS162
APPENDIX181
INDEX249

[vi]


[7]

CHAPTER I

England in the New World

At the beginning of the Seventeenth century colonial expansion had become for England an economic necessity. Because of the depletion of her forests, which constituted perhaps the most important of her natural resources, she could no longer look for prosperity from the old industries that for centuries had been her mainstay. In the days when the Norman conquerors first set foot upon English soil the virgin woods, broken occasionally by fields and villages, had stretched in dense formation from the Scottish border to Sussex and Devonshire. But with the passage of five centuries a great change had been wrought. The growing population, the expansion of agriculture, the increasing use of wood for fuel, for shipbuilding, and for the construction of houses, had by the end of the Tudor period so denuded the forests that they no longer sufficed for the most pressing needs of the country.

Even at the present day it is universally recognized that a certain proportion of wooded land is essential to the prosperity and productivity of any country. And whenever this is lacking, not only do the building, furniture, paper and other industries suffer, but the rainfall proves insufficient, spring floods are frequent and the fertility of the soil is impaired by washing. These misfortunes are slight, however, compared with the disastrous results of the gradual thinning out of the forests of Elizabethan England. The woods were necessary[8] for three all-important industries, the industries upon which the prosperity and wealth of the nation were largely dependent—shipbuilding, for which were needed timber, masts, pitch, tar, resin; the manufacture of woolens, calling for a large supply of potash; smelting of all kinds, since three hundred years ago wood and not coal was the fuel used in the furnaces. It was with the deepest apprehension, then, that thoughtful Englishmen watched the gradual reduction of the forest areas, for it seemed to betoken for their country a period of declining prosperity and economic decay. "When therefore our mils of Iron and excesse of building have already turned our greatest woods into pasture and champion within these few years," says a writer of this period, "neither the scattered forests of England, nor the diminished groves of Ireland will supply the defect of our navy."[1-1]

From this intolerable situation England sought relief through foreign commerce. If she could no longer smelt her own iron, if she could not produce ship-stores or burn her own wood ashes, these things might be procured from countries where the forests were still extensive, countries such as those bordering the Baltic—Germany, Poland, Russia, Sweden. And so the vessels of the Muscovy Company in the second half of the Sixteenth century passed through the Cattegat in large numbers to make their appearance at Reval and Libau and Danzig, seeking there the raw materials so vitally necessary to England. "Muscovia and Polina doe yeerly receive many thousands for Pitch, Tarre, Sope Ashes, Rosen, Flax, Cordage, Sturgeon, Masts, Yards, Wainscot, Firres, Glasse, and such like," wrote Captain John Smith, "also Swethland for Iron and Copper."[1-2]

But this solution of her problem was obviously unsatisfactory to England. The northern voyage was long, dangerous and costly; the King of Denmark, who controlled the entrance[9] to the Baltic, had it within his power at any moment to exclude the English traders; the Muscovy company no longer enjoyed exemption from customs in Prussia, Denmark and Russia. In case war should break out among the northern nations this trade might for a time be cut off entirely, resulting in strangulation for England's basic industries. "The merchant knoweth," said the author of A True Declaration, "that through the troubles in Poland & Muscovy, (whose eternall warres are like the Antipathy of the Dragon & Elephant) all their traffique for Masts, Deales, Pitch, Tarre, Flax, Hempe, and Cordage, are every day more and more indangered."[1-3] Moreover, the trade was much impeded by the ice which for several months each year choked some of the northern ports.

The most alarming aspect of this unfortunate situation was the effect of the shortage of shipbuilding material upon the merchant marine. Situated as it was upon an island, England enjoyed communication with the nations of the world only by means of the ocean pathways. Whatever goods came to her doors, whatever goods of her own manufacture she sent to foreign markets, could be transported only by sea. It was a matter of vital import to her, then, to build up and maintain a fleet of merchant vessels second to none. But this was obviously difficult if not impossible when "the furniture of shipping" such as "Masts, Cordage, Pitch, Tar, Rossen" were not produced in quantity by England itself, and could be had "only by the favor of forraigne potency."[1-4] Already, it was stated, the decay of shipping was manifest, while large numbers of able mariners were forced to seek employment in other countries. "You know how many men for want of imploiment, betake themselves to Tunis, Spaine and Florence," declared one observer, "and to serve in courses not warrantable, which would better beseeme our own walles and borders to bee spread with such branches, that their native countrey and[10] not forreine Princes might reape their fruit, as being both exquisite Navigators, and resolute men for service, as any the world affords."[1-5]

It must be remembered that the merchant vessel three hundred years ago constituted an important part of the nation's sea defence. The fleet which met the mighty Spanish Armada in the Channel and inflicted upon it so decisive a defeat, was made up in large part of volunteer ships from every English port. And the Britisher knew full well that the merchant marine constituted the "wooden walls" of his country, knew that its decay would leave England almost defenseless. At the moment when one able writer was pointing out that "the Realme of England is an Island impossible to be otherwise fortified than by stronge shippes," another was complaining that there were scarce two vessels of 100 tons belonging to the whole city of Bristol, and few or none along the Severn from Gloucester to Land's End on one side, and to Milford Haven on the other.[1-6]

For this intolerable situation there could be but one remedy—England must secure colonial possessions to supply her with the products for which her forests were no longer sufficient. Her bold navigators had already crossed the Atlantic, returning with alluring stories of the limitless resources of the New World, of mighty forests spreading in unbroken array for hundreds of miles along the coast and back into the interior as far as the eye could see.[1-7] Why, it was asked, should Englishmen be forced to make the hazardous journey to the Baltic in order to procure from other nations what they might easily have for themselves by taking possession of some of the limitless unoccupied areas of America? It was folly to remain in economic bondage while the road to independence stretched so invitingly before them.

Long before the Goodspeed, the Discovery and the Sarah[11] Constant turned their prows into the waters of the James, able English writers were urging upon the nation the absolute necessity for colonial expansion. In 1584 the farseeing Hakluyt pointed out that the recent voyage of Sir Humphrey Gilbert had proved that "pitche, tarr, rosen, sope ashes" could be produced in America in great plenty, "yea, as it is thought, ynoughe to serve the whole realme."[1-8] Captain Christopher Carleill had the previous year made an effort to persuade the Muscovy Company to divert its energies toward America. Why remain under the power of the King of Denmark, he asked, or other princes who "command our shippes at their pleasure," when all the products of the Baltic regions were to be had from unoccupied territories which so easily could be placed under the English flag?

It has often been taken for granted that the statesmen and merchants of three centuries ago pursued always a mistaken and shortsighted economic policy. John Fiske assures us that even at the close of the Eighteenth century the barbarous superstitions of the Middle Ages concerning trade between nations still flourished with scarcely diminished vitality. Yet it requires but a cursory study of the theories and arguments of the Elizabethan economists to realize that they were men of ability and vision, that they knew what was needed and how to procure it, that they were nearer right than many have supposed. In fact, they acted upon sound economic principles a century and a half before Adam Smith formulated and expounded them.

These men realized keenly that England's safety demanded a larger measure of economic independence and they pointed out what seemed to be the only available means of securing it. Since her forests upon which her prosperity in the past had been so largely based, were nearing the point of exhaustion, she must expand to embrace new lands where the virgin[12] growth of trees stood untouched. If this is barbarous, then the recent efforts of Italy to gain an independent coal supply, of Great Britain to get control of various oil fields, of the United States to build up a dye industry, are all likewise barbarous. In fact the world today in matters of economic policy has by no means gotten away from the conceptions of the men whose able writings cleared the way for the beginning of the British colonial empire.

But it must not be supposed that England in this matter was concerned only for her supply of naval stores, potash and pig iron. There were other products, not so vital it is true, but still important, which she was forced to seek abroad. From the south of Europe came salt, sugar, wine, silk, fruits; from the Far East saltpetre and dyes, together with spices for making palatable the winter's stock of food; from Holland came fish, from France wine and silk. And as in the Baltic, so elsewhere the merchants of London and Bristol and Plymouth found their activities resented and their efforts blocked and thwarted.

All commerce with the dominions of the King of Spain was carried on with the greatest difficulty. "Our necessitie of oiles and colours for our clothinge trade being so greate," pointed out Hakluyt, "he may arreste almoste the one halfe of our navye, our traficque and recourse beinge so greate in his dominions." The rich trade with the Far East was seriously hampered by the Turks, through whose territories it had to pass, and often a heavy tribute was laid upon it by the Sultan and his minions. Even after the merchants had succeeded in lading their vessels in the eastern Mediterranean with goods from the Orient, they still had to run the gauntlet of the hostile Powers who infested that sea. If they escaped the Knights of Malta, they might be captured by the corsairs of Algeria or Tripoli.

[13]

The trade with France had also declined greatly during the closing years of the Sixteenth century. Not only had the religious wars proved a tremendous obstacle, but the government at Paris discriminated against the woolens from England by means of custom duties, while the French workmen were themselves manufacturing cloth of excellent quality in larger amounts than had hitherto been thought possible. In the Low Countries the long and bitter struggle of the people against the bloody bands of Alva had wrought such destruction and had so ruined industry that all foreign commerce had greatly declined.[1-9]

There can be no surprise, then, that many English economists felt that a crisis had been reached, that nothing save the immediate establishment of colonies would prevent disaster. With the woolen industry declining, with the shipbuilding centres almost idle, with able mariners deserting the service, with the foreign market gradually closing to English wares, with the country overrun with idle and starving laborers, with some of her chief natural resources nearly exhausted and the trade by which her needs were replenished in constant danger, England turned to America as her hope for salvation. Upon securing a foothold in the New World, hitherto monopolized by Spain and Portugal, depended Albion's future greatness and prosperity.

It is this which gave to the London Company its national character, and made its efforts to establish a colony across the Atlantic a crusade, a movement in which every Englishman was vitally concerned. The great lords and wealthy merchants who comprised the Company knew well enough that there was little hope of immediate returns upon the money they subscribed so liberally. They expected to receive their reward in another way, in the revival of English industrial life and the restoration of English economic independence. It is a singular[14] perversion of history, an inaccurate interpretation of men and events, which for so many years beclouded our conception of the beginning of the British colonial empire. The settlement at Jamestown was not the product of a selfish, private venture, but the fruition of long years of thought and endeavor, long years of pleading with the English public, of the conscious and deliberate efforts of the nation to expand to the New World, to break the bonds of economic dependence and to restore to England the place in the world which rightfully was hers.

In addition to, but closely associated with, the economic causes of Anglo-Saxon expansion was the realization in England of the need for prompt action in putting a limit to the growing domains of the King of Spain. In the century which had elapsed since Columbus opened a new world to the peoples of Europe, this monarch had seized the richest part of the great prize, and was still reaching forward to the north and to the south. Unless England took advantage of the present opportunity, the vast American continents might be closed to her forever. Anglo-Saxon civilization in that case might well remain permanently cooped up in the little island that had seen its inception, while the Spanish language and Spanish institutions expanded to embrace the garden spots of the world.[1-10]

There were still other motives for this great movement. The English felt the prime necessity of discovering and controlling a new route to the East, they wished to expand the influence of the Anglican church and convert the Indians, they hoped to seize and fortify strategic points in America which would aid them in their struggles with the Spaniards. But these things, important as they were, paled beside the pressing necessity of national expansion, of rehabilitating English industrial life, restoring the merchant marine and securing economic independence.

[15]

Thus, when Captain Newport returned in 1607 to report that the colony of Virginia had been safely launched, many Englishmen were aroused to a high pitch of hope and expectation. Now at last a province had been secured which could supply the raw materials which England so greatly needed. The active supporters of the undertaking were lavish in their promises. Virginia would yield better and cheaper timber for shipping than Prussia or Poland, she would furnish potash in abundance, and since wood could there be had for the cutting, her copper and iron ore could be smelted on the spot. Wine could be made there, as excellent as that of the Canaries, they boasted, while it was hoped soon to manufacture silk rivalling in fineness that of Persia or of Turkey. The waters of the colony were full of "Sturgion, Caviare and new land fish of the best," her fields could produce hemp for cordage and flax for linen. As for pitch, tar, turpentine and boards, there was a certainty of a rich return.[1-11] In February 1608, the Council of Virginia wrote to the corporation of Plymouth: "The staple and certain Comodities we have are Soap-ashes, pitch, tar, dyes of sundry sorts and rich values, timber for all uses, fishing for sturgeon and divers other sorts ... making of Glass and Iron, and no improbable hope of richer mines."[1-12]

And no sooner had the infant colony been established than the Company turned with enthusiasm to the production of these highly desired commodities. A number of foreigners, Dutchmen and Poles skilled in the manufacture of ship-stores, were sent over to make a start with pitch, tar, turpentine and potash. They were to act as instructors, also, and it was expected that within a few years the Virginia forests would be filled with workers in these trades. Unfortunately their efforts met with ill success, and save for a few small samples of pitch and tar which were sent to England, nothing of value was produced.

[16]

For this failure the reason is apparent. All the able economists and statesmen who had predicted that the colony would become an industrial center had overlooked one vitally important factor—the lack of cheap labor. No matter how rich in natural resources, Virginia could not hope to compete with the long-established industries of Europe and Asia, because she lacked the abundant population requisite to success. It had been imagined by Hakluyt and others that the colony could avail herself of the surplus population of England, could drain off the upper stratum of the idle and unemployed. What more feasible than to set these men to work in the forests of the New World to produce the raw materials the want of which was responsible for unemployment in England itself!

But the voyage across the Atlantic was so long and costly, that it proved impossible to transport in any reasonable length of time enough workers to Virginia to supply her needs. And the few thousand that came over in the early years of the Seventeenth century were in such great demand that they could secure wages several times higher than those in vogue throughout Europe. Thus the London Company, from the very outset, found itself face to face with a difficulty which it could never surmount. Virginia could not compete with the ship-stores of the Baltic nations because her labor, when indeed it was found possible to secure labor at all, was far more expensive than that of Poland or Sweden or Russia. It mattered not that the Company sent over indentured servants, bound by their contracts to work for a certain number of years; the effect was the same. The cost of transportation swallowed up the profits from the servant's labor, when that labor was expended upon industries which had to face the competition of the cheap workers of the Old World.

It speaks well for the acumen of Captain John Smith that[17] he seems to have been the first to grasp clearly this truth. He wrote that the workingmen had made a beginning of "Pitch and Tarre, Glass, Sope-ashes and Clapboard," but that little had been accomplished. "If you rightly consider what an infinite toyle it is in Russia and Swetland, where the woods are proper for naught else, and though there be the helpe both of man and beast in those ancient Common-wealths, which many a hundred years have used it, yet thousands of those poor people can scarce get necessaries to live ... you must not expect from us any such matter."[1-13]

The attempt to produce iron in Virginia was pursued even more vigorously, but with equally poor success. The early settlers, eager to assure the Company that the venture they had entered upon would soon yield a rich return, spoke enthusiastically of the numerous indications of the presence of iron ore. In 1609 Captain Newport brought with him to England a supply of ore from which sixteen or seventeen tons of metal were extracted of a quality equal or superior to that obtained from any European country. The iron was sold to the East India Company at the rate of £4 a ton.[1-14] Immediately plans were launched for taking advantage of what seemed to be a splendid opportunity. In the course of the first three years machinery for smelting and manufacturing iron was sent over and men were set to work to operate it. But the difficulties proved too great and ere long the attempt had to be abandoned.

The Company had no idea of relinquishing permanently its quest for staple commodities, however, and soon a new and far more ambitious project was set on foot for extracting the ore. The spot selected was at Falling Creek, in the present county of Chesterfield, a few miles below the rapids of the James river. George Sandys had noted with satisfaction some years before that the place was in every respect suited for[18] iron smelting, for in close proximity to the ore was wood in abundance, stones for the construction of the furnace and deep water for transportation. To him it seemed that nature itself had selected the site and endowed it with every facility which the enterprise could require.[1-15] Here the London Company spent from £4,000 to £5,000 in a supreme effort to make their colony answer in some degree the expectations which had been placed in it. A Captain Blewit, with no less than 80 men, was sent over to construct the works, upon which, they declared, were fixed the eyes of "God, Angels and men." But Blewit soon succumbed to one of the deadly epidemics which yearly swept over the little colony, and a Mr. John Berkeley, accompanied by 20 experienced workers, came over to take his place.

At first things seem to have gone well with this ambitious venture. Soon the Virginia forests were resounding to the whir of the axe and the crash of falling trees, to the exclamations of scores of busy men as they extracted the ore, built their furnace and began the work of smelting. Operations had progressed so far that it was confidently predicted that soon large quantities of pig iron would be leaving the James for England, when an unexpected disaster put an abrupt end to the enterprise. In the terrible massacre of 1622, when the implacable Opechancanough attempted at one stroke to rid the country of its white invaders, the little industrial settlement at Falling Creek was completely destroyed. The furnace was ruined, the machinery thrown into the river, the workmen butchered. This project, which had absorbed so much of the attention and resources of the Company, is said to have yielded only a shovel, a pair of tongs and one bar of iron.[1-16]

The history of the attempts to establish glass works in Virginia is also a story of wasted energy and money, of final failure. The Dutch and Polish workers who came in 1608 set up a furnace at Jamestown,[1-17] but nothing more is heard[19] of them, and it is clear that they met with no success. Nor did Captain William Norton, who arrived in 1621 with a number of skilled Italian glass workers fare any better.[1-18] In 1623 George Sandys wrote: "Capt. Norton dyed with all save one of his servants, the Italians fell extremely sick yet recovered; but I conceave they would gladly make the work to appear unfeasable, that they might by that means be dismissed for England. The fier hath now been for six weeks in ye furnace and yet nothing effected. They claim that the sand will not run." Shortly after this the workmen brought matters to an end by cracking the furnace with a crowbar.[1-19]

Thus ended in complete failure the efforts of England to reap what she considered the legitimate fruits of this great enterprise. The day of which her farseeing publicists had dreamed had arrived; she had at last challenged the right of Spain to all North America, her sons were actually settled on the banks of the James, a beginning had been made in the work of building a colonial empire. But the hope which had so fired the mind of Hakluyt, the hope of attaining through Virginia British economic independence, was destined never to be fulfilled. However lavishly nature had endowed the colony with natural resources, however dense her forests, however rich her mines, however wide and deep her waterways, she could not become an industrial community. Fate had decreed for her another destiny. But England was reluctant to accept the inevitable in this matter. Long years after Sir Edwin Sandys and his fellow workers of the London Company had passed to their rest, we find the royal ministers urging upon the colony the necessity of producing pig iron and silk and potash, and promising every possible encouragement in the work. But the causes which operated to bring failure in 1610 or 1620 prevented success in 1660 and 1680. Virginia had not the abundant supply of labor essential to the[20] development of an industrial community and for many decades, perhaps for centuries, could not hope to attain it. Her future lay in the discovery and exploitation of one staple commodity for which she was so preëminently adapted that she could, even with her costly labor, meet the competition of other lands. The future history of Virginia was to be built up around the Indian plant tobacco.


[21]

CHAPTER II

The Indian Weed

History is baffling in its complexity. The human mind instinctively strives for simplicity, endeavors to reproduce all things to set rules, to discover the basic principles upon which all action is based. And in various lines of research much success has attended these efforts. We know the laws underlying the movements of the planets, of various chemical reactions, of plant and animal life. It is inevitable, then, that attempts should be made to accomplish similar results in history, to master the vast multitude of facts which crowd its pages, many of them seemingly unrelated, and show that after all they obey certain fundamental laws. Despite the vaunted freedom of the human will, it is maintained, mankind like the planets or the chemical agents, cannot escape the operation of definite forces to which it is subjected. And if these forces are studied and understood, to some extent at least, the course of future events may be predicted.

Thus it may be accepted as practically established that in any country and with any people a condition of continued disorder and anarchy must be succeeded by one of despotism. History records, we believe, no exception to this rule, while there are many instances which tend to confirm it. The absolute rule of the Caesars followed the anarchy of the later Roman republic, the Oliverian Protectorate succeeded the British civil wars, the first French Empire the Reign of Terror, the Bolshevik despotism the collapse of the old regime in Russia. Such will always be the case, we are told, because mankind turns instinctively to any form of government in quest of[22] protection from anarchy, and the easiest form of government to establish and operate is despotism.

Not content with generalizations of this kind, however, certain historians have undertaken to reduce all human action to some one great fundamental principle. The Freudian view emphasizes the influence of sex; Buckle maintains that the effect of climate is all-powerful. In recent years many students, while not agreeing that the solution of the problem is quite so simple, yet believe that underlying all social development will be found economic forces of one kind or another, that in commerce and industry and agriculture lies the key to every event of moment in the history of mankind. Often these forces have been obscured and misunderstood, but close study will always reveal them. It is folly to waste time, they say, as writers have so long done, in setting forth the adventures of this great man or that, in dwelling upon the details of political struggles or recounting the horrors of war. All these are but surface indications of the deeper movements underneath, movements in every case brought about by economic developments.

But this interpretation of history is by no means universally accepted. While admitting readily that the conditions surrounding the production and exchange of useful commodities have affected profoundly the course of events, many historians deny that they give the key to every important movement. We must study also the progress of human thought, of religion, of politics, or our conception of history will be warped and imperfect. How is it possible to explain the French religious wars of the Sixteenth century by the theory of economic causes? In what way does it account for the rebellion of Virginia and North Carolina and Maryland against the British government in 1775? How can one deny that the assassination of Abraham Lincoln affected profoundly the course of American history?

[23]

These efforts to simplify the meaning of human events have often led to error, have stressed certain events too strongly, have minimized others. The complexity of history is self-evident; we must for the present at least content ourselves with complex interpretations of it. If there be any great underlying principles which explain all, they have yet to be discovered.

Thus it would be folly in the study of colonial Virginia to blind ourselves to the importance of various non-economic factors, the love of freedom which the settlers brought with them from England, their affection for the mother country, the influence of the Anglican church. Yet it is obvious that we cannot understand the colony, its social structure, its history, its development unless we have a clear insight into the economic forces which operated upon it. These Englishmen, finding themselves in a new country, surrounded by conditions fundamentally different from those to which they had been accustomed, worked out a new and unique society, were themselves moulded into something different.

And in colonial Virginia history there is a key, which though it may not explain all, opens the door to much that is fundamental. This key is tobacco. The old saying that the story of Virginia is but the story of tobacco is by no means a gross exaggeration. It was this Indian plant, so despised by many of the best and ablest men of the time, which determined the character of the life of the colony and shaped its destinies for two and a half centuries. Tobacco was the chief factor in bringing final and complete failure to the attempts to produce useful raw materials, it was largely instrumental in moulding the social classes and the political structure of the colony, it was almost entirely responsible for the system of labor, it even exerted a powerful influence upon religion and morals. In a word, one can understand almost nothing of Virginia, its infancy,[24] its development, its days of misfortune, its era of prosperity, its peculiar civilization, the nature of its relations to England, unless one knows the history of tobacco.

As though they had a prophetic vision of its future importance, the Virginia Indians revered the plant. To them it was an especial gift direct from the Great Spirit, and as such was endowed with unusual properties for doing good. When the fields of maize were dried and parched for lack of rain they powdered the tobacco and cast it to the winds that the evil genii might be propitiated; their priests on great occasions fed it to the sacrificial fires; when the usual catch of fish failed it was scattered over the water.[2-1] Smoking was considered a token of friendship and peace. When the white men first visited the native villages they soon found that to reject the proffered pipe was to offend their savage hosts and incur their hostility.

It was John Rolfe, celebrated as the husband of Pocahontas, who first experimented with the native leaf. This gentleman was himself fond of smoking, but he found the Virginia tobacco as it came from the hands of the savages, decidedly inferior to that of the West Indies. The leaf itself was small, and although the flavor was weak it was biting to the tongue.[2-2] Rolfe's efforts proved entirely successful. In 1614, two years after his first attempt, he had obtained a product which Ralph Hamor declared to be as "strong, sweet and pleasant as any under the sun."[2-3]

Thus, early in its history, Virginia had found a commodity for which she was preëminently suited, in the production of which she could compete successfully with any country in the world. And for her tobacco she had a ready market. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth the habit of smoking had spread rapidly among the upper classes of English, until at the end of the sixteenth century, it was almost universal. When[25] James I ascended the throne, although feeling a strong aversion to tobacco, he was forced to take up its use in order not to appear conspicuous among his courtiers, for the dictates of custom seem to have been as strong three hundred years ago as at present.[2-4] At the time that Rolfe was making his experiments England was spending yearly for the Spanish product many thousands of pounds.

It is not surprising, then, that the colonists turned eagerly to tobacco culture. The news that Rolfe's little crop had been pronounced in England to be of excellent quality spread rapidly from settlement to settlement, bringing with it new hope and determination. Immediately tobacco absorbed the thoughts of all, became the one topic of conversation, and every available patch of land was seized upon for its cultivation. The fortified areas within the palisades were crowded with tobacco plants, while even the streets of Jamestown were utilized by the eager planters.[2-5] In 1617 the George set sail for England laden with 20,000 pounds of Virginia leaf, the first of the vast fleet of tobacco ships which for centuries were to pass through the capes of the Chesapeake bound for Europe.[2-6] By 1627, the tobacco exports amounted to no less than half a million pounds.[2-7]

The London Company, together with the host of patriotic Englishmen who had placed such great hopes in the colony, were much disappointed at this unexpected turn of events. They had sought in the New World those "solid commodities" which they realized were fundamental to the prosperity of their country, commodities upon which English industrial life was founded. And they had found only the Indian weed—tobacco. This plant not only contributed nothing to the wealth of the kingdom, it was felt, but was positively injurious to those who indulged in its use. Surely, declared one writer, men "grow mad and crazed in the brain in that they would[26] adventure to suck the smoke of a weed." James I thought there could be no baser and more harmful corruption, while Charles I expressed himself with equal emphasis. So late as 1631 the latter protested against the growing use of tobacco, which he termed "an evil habit of late tymes."[2-8]

Yet England soon learned to welcome the colonial tobacco as far better than no product at all. Hitherto the leaf in use had been raised in the Spanish colonies, and England's annual tobacco bill was becoming larger and larger. It seemed calamitous that British industry should be drained of good and useful commodities in exchange for a plant the consumption of which was harmful rather than beneficial. It was at least some satisfaction to know, then, that England could substitute for the Spanish leaf the growth of their own colonies. Apparently it was only later, however, that there came a full realization of the opportunity afforded for enriching England and building up her merchant marine by exporting tobacco to foreign countries. For the present they accepted this one product of their experiment in colonial expansion, reluctantly and with keen disappointment, as the best that could be obtained.

Yet it was obvious to the London Company that tobacco held out the only prospect, not only of securing a profit from their venture, but of bringing to Virginia some measure of prosperity. The first consignment of leaf which came from the colony sold for no less than 5s. 3d. a pound, a price which promised a rich return to the planters on the James and their backers in England.[2-9] And they much preferred to have a prosperous colony, even when prosperity was founded on tobacco, than a weak, impoverished settlement, which would be a drain upon their personal resources and of no value to the nation. Thus they accepted the inevitable, gave what encouragement they could to the new product, and sought to[27] use it as a means for building up the British empire in America. When once England had established herself firmly in the New World, it would be time enough to return to the attempt to secure from the colony ship-stores, potash, iron and silk.

With the overthrow of the Company, however, the Crown made repeated efforts to direct the energies of Virginia away from the all-absorbing cultivation of tobacco. In 1636 Charles I wrote to the Governor and Council bidding them moderate the excessive quantities of the plant laid out each year and to endeavor to produce some other staple commodities.[2-10] "The King cannot but take notice," he reiterated the next year, "how little that colony hath advanced in Staple commodities fit for their own subsistence and clothing," and he warned the planters to emulate the Barbados and Caribee Islands, where a beginning had been made in cotton, wool and other useful things.[2-11] But the colonists paid no heed to these repeated warnings. The King's commands were no more effective in establishing new industries than had been the first attempts of the Company. Virginia was not prepared to compete with the workers of Europe in their own chosen fields, and persisted, had to persist, in the production of the one commodity for which she possessed unsurpassed natural advantages.

It is remarkable how universally the plant was cultivated by all classes of Virginians throughout the colonial period. It was difficult to find skilled artisans in any line of work, since those who had pursued in England the various trades usually deserted them, when they landed in the colony, in order to turn to the raising of tobacco. And the few who continued to pursue their old vocations usually rented or purchased a small tract of land and devoted a part of their time to its cultivation. Blacksmiths, carpenters, shipwrights,[28] coopers all raised their little tobacco crop and sold it to the British merchants,[2-12] while even the poor minister sought to make ends meet by planting his glebe with Orinoco or Sweetscented. The Governor himself was not free from the all-prevailing custom, and frequently was the possessor of a farm where his servants and slaves, like those of other gentlemen in the colony, were kept busy tending the tobacco crop.

It is doubtful whether the members of the London Company, even Sir Edwin Sandys himself, ever attempted to visualize the social structure which would develop in the Virginia they were planning. If so, they unquestionably pictured a state of affairs very different from that which the future held in store. They took it for granted that Virginia would to a large extent be a duplicate of England. In the forests of the New World would grow up towns and villages, centers of industry and centers of trade. The population would be divided into various classes—well-to-do proprietors boasting of the title of gentleman; professional men, lawyers, physicians, ministers; skilled artisans of all kinds; day laborers.

We catch a glimpse of the Virginia of their minds from a Broadside issued in 1610, appealing for volunteers for service in the colony.[2-13] We can see the shipwrights at work in the busy yards of thriving ports; the smelters caring for their iron and copper furnaces; the "minerall-men" digging out the ore; saltmakers evaporating the brackish waters for their useful product; vine-dressers tending their abundant crops of grapes and coopers turning out the hogsheads in which to store the wine which came from the presses; bricklayers and carpenters fashioning substantial houses; fishermen bringing in the plentiful yield of the day and dressers preparing the fish for foreign shipment; joiners, smiths, gardeners, bakers, gun-founders, ploughwrights, brewers, sawyers, fowlers, each plying his trade in the New Brittania.

[29]

But how different was the reality. Virginia became, not an industrial, but a distinctly agricultural community. For more than a century it could boast not a single town worthy of the name.[2-14] It was but a series of plantations, not large in extent, but stretching out for miles along the banks of the rivers and creeks, all devoted to the raising of tobacco. The population of the colony was but the aggregate of the population of the plantation—the owner, the wage earners, the indentured servant, a few slaves. Virginia in the Seventeenth century, despite the design of its founders, developed a life of its own, a life not only unlike that of England, but unique and distinct.

Immigration, like everything else in the colony, was shaped by the needs of tobacco. For its successful production the plant does not require skilled labor or intensive cultivation. The barbarous natives of Africa, who later in the century were imported in such large numbers, eventually proved quite adequate to the task. But it does require the service of many hands. For decades after Rolfe's discovery had opened a new vista of prosperity for Virginia, fertile land was so cheap that a person even of moderate means might readily purchase an extensive plantation,[2-15] but it would be of little service to him unless he could find hands for clearing away the forests, breaking the soil, tending and curing the plants.

Of the three requirements of production—natural resources, capital and labor—the fertile soil furnished the first in abundance, the second could readily be secured, but the last remained for a full century the one great problem of the planters. From the days of Sir George Yeardley to those of Nicholson and Andros there was a persistent and eager demand for workers. Of this there can be no better evidence than the remarkably high wages which prevailed in the colony, especially in the years prior to the Restoration. In fact, it is probable that the laborer received for his services four or five times the[30] amount he could earn in England. Even during the time of the London Company we find George Sandys writing to a friend in London to procure indentured servants for the colony as the wages demanded were intolerable. A day's work brought, in addition to food, a pound of tobacco valued at one shilling, while in England the unskilled worker considered himself fortunate if he could earn so much in a week.[2-16]

In his efforts to solve this acute problem the planter found little hope in the aborigines. The Spaniards, it is true, had made use of the Indians to till their fields or work in the gold and silver mines, but the Pamunkey and the Powhatan were cast in a different mold from the Aztec and the Peruvian. To hunt them out of their native lairs and bind them to arduous and ignominious servitude was hardly to be thought of. Their spirit was too proud to be thus broken, the safe refuge of the woods too near at hand. One might as well have attempted to hitch lions and tigers to the plough shaft, as to place these wild children of the forest at the handles. At times it proved practicable to make use of Indian children for servants, and there are numerous instances on record in which they are found in the homes of the planters.[2-17] But this, of course, could be of little service in solving the pressing labor problem, in clearing new ground or tilling the idle fields. The Virginia landowner was forced to turn elsewhere for his helpers.

In 1619 a Dutch privateer put into the James river and disembarked twenty Africans who were sold to the settlers as slaves. This event, so full of evil portent for the future of Virginia, might well have afforded a natural and satisfactory solution of the labor problem. Slaves had long been used in the Spanish colonies, proving quite competent to do the work of tending the tobacco plants, and bringing handsome returns to their masters. But it was impossible at this time for England to supply her plantations with this type[31] of labor. The slave trade was in the hands of the Dutch, who had fortified themselves on the African coast and jealously excluded other nations. Thus while the demand for negro slaves remained active in the colony, they increased in numbers very slowly. The muster of 1624-25 shows only 22.[2-18] During the following half century there was a small influx of negroes, but their numbers were still too small to affect seriously the economic life of the colony.[2-19]

The settlers were thus forced to look to England itself to supply them with hands for their tobacco fields. They knew that in the mother country were many thousands of indigent persons who would welcome an opportunity to better their lot by migrating to the New World. And the English statesmen, feeling that there was need for blood letting, welcomed an opportunity to divert the surplus population to the new colony in America.[2-20] The decline in English foreign trade and the stagnation of home industry had brought unemployment and suffering to every class of workers. Wages were so low that the most industrious could not maintain themselves in comfort, while to provide against want in case of sickness or old age was hardly to be thought of. Every parish, every town swarmed with persons stricken with abject poverty. In some parts of the country no less than 30 per cent of the population were dependent in part upon charity for their daily bread, while many were driven into vagabondage and crime, becoming an element of danger rather than of strength to the nation.[2-21] It seemed to the planters that the mother country constituted an abundant reservoir of labor, a reservoir already overflowing and capable of supplying indefinitely their every need.

The only drawback was the long and expensive voyage across the Atlantic. The fare, even for the poorest and most crowded accommodations, was no less than six pounds sterling,[32] a sum far beyond the means of the thriftiest laborer.[2-22] Obviously some scheme had to be evolved to overcome this difficulty before Virginia could make use of English labor. And so the planters turned to the simple expedient of advancing the passage money to the immigrant and of placing him under strict legal bonds to work it out after reaching the colony.

This system, around which the economic life of Virginia centered for a full century, proved satisfactory to all concerned. The credit advanced to the immigrant made it possible for him to earn his ocean fare, not in England where labor was cheap, but in America where it was dear. In other words, he was enabled without delay to enjoy the full benefits of selling his services in the best market. The necessity for placing him under a stringent contract or indenture is evident. Had this not been done the immigrant, upon finding himself in Virginia, might have refused to carry out his part of the bargain. But the indenture was in no sense a mark of servitude or slavery. It simply made it obligatory for the newcomer, under pain of severe penalties, to work out his passage money, and until that was accomplished to surrender a part of the personal liberty so dear to every Englishman.

It is erroneous to suppose that most of the servants were degenerates or criminals. It is true that the English Government from time to time sought to lessen the expense of providing for convicted felons by sending some of them to the colonies, among them on rare occasions a few decidedly objectionable characters. More than once the Virginians protested vigorously against this policy as dangerous to the peace and prosperity of the colony.[2-23] By far the larger part of these penal immigrants, however, were but harmless paupers, driven perhaps to theft or some other petty offense by cold and hunger. Often they were sentenced to deportation by merciful[33] judges in order that they might not feel the full weight of the harsh laws of that day.[2-24]

And of the small number of real criminals who came in, few indeed made any lasting imprint upon the social fabric of the colony. Many served for life and so had no opportunity of marrying and rearing families to perpetuate their degenerate traits. Those who escaped fled from the confines of settled Virginia to the mountains or to the backwoods of North Carolina. Many others succumbed to the epidemics which proved so deadly to the newcomers from England. In fact the criminal servant was but a passing incident in the life and development of England's greatest and most promising colony.[2-25]

An appreciable proportion of the so-called criminal laborers were no more than political prisoners taken in the rebellions of the Seventeenth century. These men frequently represented the sturdiest and most patriotic elements in the kingdom and were a source of strength rather than of weakness to the colony. When Drogheda was captured by Cromwell's stern Puritan troops in 1649, some of the unfortunate rebels escaped the firing squad only to be sent to America to serve in the sugar or tobacco fields. Just how many of these Irishmen fell to the share of Virginia it is impossible to say, but the number rises well into the hundreds, and the patent books of the period are full of headrights of undoubted Irish origin.[2-26]

When Charles II was restored to the throne in 1660 it became the turn of the Puritans to suffer, and many non-conformists and former Oliverian soldiers were sent to Virginia. In fact so many old Commonwealth men were serving in the tobacco fields in 1663 that they felt strong enough to plot, not only for their own freedom, but for the overthrow of the colonial government.[2-27] In 1678, after the suppression of the Scottish Covenanters by the Highland Host, a new batch of prisoners were sent to the plantations.[2-28] Seven years later[34] many of Monmouth's followers taken at Sedgemour, who were fortunate enough to escape the fury of Jeffreys and Kirk, were forced to work in the plantations.

But the bulk of the servants were neither criminals nor political prisoners, but poor persons seeking to better their condition in the land of promise across the Atlantic. They constituted the vanguard of that vast stream of immigrants which for three centuries Europe has poured upon our shores. The indentured servant differed in no essential from the poor Ulsterite or German who followed him in the Eighteenth century, or the Irishman, the Italian or the Slav in the Nineteenth. Like them he found too severe the struggle for existence at home, like them he sought to reach a land where labor, the only commodity he had to sell, would bring the highest return. The fact that his passage was paid for him and that he was bound by contract to work it out after reaching America, in no wise differentiates him from the newcomers of later days. In 1671 Sir William Berkeley reported to the Board of Trade that the colony contained "6,000 Christian servants for a short tyme," who had come with the "hope of bettering their condition in a Growing Country."[2-29]

Virginia is fortunate in having preserved a record of this, the first great migration to the English colonies, which in some respects is remarkably complete. In fact, the names of fully three-fourths of all the persons who came to the colony, whether as freemen or servants during the first century of its existence, are on record at the Land Office at Richmond, and at all times available to the student of history. In the early days of the settlement a law was passed designed to stimulate immigration, by which the Government pledged itself to grant fifty acres of land to any person who would pay the passage from Europe to Virginia of a new settler. Thus if one brought over ten indentured servants he would be entitled to[35] 500 acres of land, if he brought 100, he could demand 5,000 acres. But the headright, as it was called, was not restricted to servants; if one came over as a freeman, paying his own passage, he was entitled to the fifty acres. Should he bring also his family, he could demand an additional fifty acres for his wife and fifty for each child or other member of the household.[2-30]

When the Government issued a grant for land under this law, the planter was required to record with the clerk of the county court the names of all persons for whose transportation the claim was made. Some of these lists have been lost, especially for the period from 1655 to 1666, but most of them remain, constituting an inexhaustible storehouse of information concerning the colony and the people who came to its shores.[2-31] How the papers escaped destruction during the fire which did so much damage in the Secretary's office at the time of Andros, it is impossible to say. The explanation is to be found perhaps in the fact that copies of the records were kept, not only at Williamsburg, but in the several counties, so that in case of loss by fire new entries could be made.

Immigration to Virginia continued in unabated volume throughout the Seventeenth century. The needs of the tobacco plantations were unceasing, and year after year the surplus population of England poured across the Atlantic in response. An examination of the list of headrights shows that the annual influx was between 1500 and 2000. Even during the Civil War and Commonwealth periods this average seems to have been maintained with surprising consistency. Apparently the only limit which could be set upon it was the available space on board the merchant fleet which each year left England for the Chesapeake bay. Thus in the year ending May 1635 we find that 2000 landed in the colony,[2-32] while in 1674 and again in 1682 the same average was maintained.[2-33][36] At times the numbers dropped to 1200 or 1300, but this was the exception rather than the rule. All in all, considerably more than 100,000 persons migrated to the colony in the years that elapsed between the first settlement at Jamestown and the end of the century.[2-34]

This great movement, which far surpassed in magnitude any other English migration of the century, fixed for all time the character of the white population of tidewater Virginia. The vast bulk of the settlers were English. An examination of the headright lists shows here and there an Irish or a Scotch name, and on very rare occasions one of French or Italian origin, but in normal periods fully 95 per cent were unmistakably Anglo-Saxon. In fact, such names as Dixon, Bennett, Anderson, Adams, Greene, Brooke, Brown, Cooper, Gibson, Hall, Harris, King, Jackson, Long, Martin, Miller, Newton, Philips, Richards, Turner, White, appear with monotonous repetition. Except in the years 1655 and 1656, after the Drogheda tragedy when one sees such names as O'Lanny, O'Leaby, O'Mally, and Machoone, or in 1679 when there was a sprinkling of Scottish names, the entire list is distinctly English.

It must not be supposed that immigration to Virginia in the Seventeenth century was restricted to indentured servants. Some of the settlers were freemen, paying their own passage and establishing themselves as proprietors immediately after arriving in the colony. But the conditions which attracted them were the same as those which brought over the servants. In both cases it was tobacco, the rich returns which it promised and the urgent need it had of labor, which impelled them to leave their homes in England to seek their fortunes in the strange land beyond the seas.

Having seen the character of the immigration to Virginia, it remains to determine what was the fate of the settler after he[37] reached the colony, what rôle lay before him in its social and economic life. Would he remain permanently in the status of a servant, entering into a new agreement with his master after the expiration of the old? Would he eventually become a day laborer, working for wages upon the estates of the wealthy? Would he become a tenant? Could he hope to become a freeholder, making of Virginia, like Rome in the early days of the republic, the land of the small proprietor?


[38]

CHAPTER III

The Virginia Yeomanry

The system of indentured labor differed vitally from negro slavery. The servant usually was bound to his master for a limited period only, and at the expiration of four or five years was a free man, to go where he would and pursue what employment seemed most lucrative. And of tremendous importance to the future of Virginia was the fact that he was of the same race and blood as the rest of the population. There was no inherent reason why he might not take up land, marry and become a part of the social structure of the colony.

When races of marked physical differences are placed side by side in the same territory, assimilation of one or the other becomes difficult, and an age long repugnance and conflict is apt to result. Perhaps the greatest crime against the southern colonies was not the introduction of slavery, but the introduction of negroes. It was inevitable that eventually slavery would be abolished. But the negro race in America cannot be abolished, it cannot be shipped back to Africa, it cannot well be absorbed into the white population. Today California is struggling to avoid a like problem by excluding the Japanese, while Canada, Australia and New Zealand are closing their doors to Orientals of all kinds.

Thus Virginia, during its century of white immigration, was storing up no perplexing difficulties for the future, was developing slowly but surely into an industrious, democratic, Anglo-Saxon community. Not until the black flood of slaves was turned loose upon her, strangling her peasantry and revolutionizing her industrial and social life, was her future put[39] in pawn. The white servants, so far as they remained in the colony, became bone of her bone, flesh of her flesh, promised her a homogeneous race, a sound economic and political development.

When the alien newcomer to the United States sees from the deck of his steamer the Statue of Liberty and the ragged sky line of lower Manhattan, he feels that the goal of his ambition has been reached, that the land of opportunity lies before him. But to the indentured settler of the Seventeenth century, his arrival in the James or the York was but the beginning of his struggles. Before he could grasp the riches of the New World, he must pay the price of his passage, must work out through arduous years the indenture to which he had affixed his signature.

And these years were filled not only with toil, perhaps with hardship, but with the greatest peril. He might account himself fortunate indeed if during the first twelve months he escaped the so-called Virginia sickness. Tidewater Virginia for the English settlers was a pest-ridden place. The low and marshy ground, the swarming mosquitoes, the hot sun, the unwholesome drinking water combined to produce an unending epidemic of dysentery and malaria. And at frequent intervals, especially in the early years, yellow fever, scurvy and plague swept over the infant colony, leaving behind a ghastly train of suffering and death.[3-1] At one time the mortality among the settlers upon the James ran as high as 75 per cent and for a while it seemed that this attempt of the British nation to secure a foothold upon the American continent must end in failure.[3-2]

But as the years wore on better conditions prevailed. Governor Berkeley testified in 1671, "there is not oft seasoned hands (as we term them) that die now, whereas heretofore not one of five escaped the first year."[3-3] This improvement[40] was brought about by the use of Peruvian bark, a clearer understanding of sanitary matters and the selection of more healthful sites for plantations. At the time when Sir William wrote it is probable that 80 per cent or more of the indentured servants survived the dangers of the tobacco fields, completed their terms of service and, if they remained in the colony, became freedmen with the full rights of Englishmen and Virginians.

In the period from 1660 to 1725 there was, as we shall see, an exodus of poor whites from Virginia. This, however, was chiefly the result of the influx of slaves which marked the end of the century, and it is safe to assume that prior to the Restoration there was no extensive movement from Virginia to other colonies. The servant, upon attaining his freedom, usually remained in the colony and sought to establish himself there.

Although it is impossible to determine accurately the average length of service required by the indentures, there is reason to believe that it did not exceed five years. In cases of controversy between masters and servants who had come in without written contracts as to when their terms should expire, it was at first required by law that the period be fixed at five years if the age was in excess of twenty-one.[3-4] In 1654, however, a new act was passed by the Assembly, making it necessary for those who had no indentures, if over sixteen to serve six years, if less than sixteen until the twenty-fourth year had been reached.[3-5] This was found to work to the disadvantage of the colony by discouraging immigration, and in 1662 the law was changed so that in all doubtful cases the legal term should be five years for persons over sixteen.[3-6] Since the Assembly, which was so largely made up of persons who themselves held servants, would certainly not fix the legal term for a period shorter than that normally provided[41] for in the indentures, we may assume that usually the servant secured his freedom within four or five years after his arrival in the colony.

Thus it is evident that the bulk of the population could not have been, as is so often supposed, made up of large landed proprietors with their servants and slaves. Such a conception takes no account of the annual translation of hundreds of men and women from bondsmen into freedmen. The short duration of the average term of service, together with the fact that the servants were usually still young when freed, made it inevitable that in time the freedmen would outnumber those in service. The size of the annual immigration could in no wise alter this situation, for the greater the influx of servants, the greater would be the resulting graduation into the class of freedmen.

The average number of headrights, as we have seen, was probably not less than 1750 a year. If it is assumed that 1500 of these were servants, five per cent of whom served for life and 20 per cent died before the expiration of their terms, no less than 1125 would remain to become freedmen. While the number of those under indenture remained practically stationary, the size of the freedman class grew larger with the passing of the years.

Placing the average term at five years, then, and the average mortality at twenty per cent, there would be in service at any given time some 6,000 men and women. In fact, Sir William Berkeley, in his famous report of 1671, estimated the number of servants in the colony at this figure.[3-7] On the other hand an annual accession of 1125 to the class of freedmen would in five years amount to 5,625, in ten years to 11,250, in fifteen to 16,875, in twenty to 22,500. At the end of half a century no less than 56,250 persons would have emerged from servitude to become free citizens. Although there is[42] every reason to believe that these figures are substantially correct,[3-8] their accuracy or lack of accuracy in no way affect the principle involved. From its very nature it was impossible that the system of indentured servants should long remain the chief factor in the industrial life of the colony or supply most of the labor.

It is true, of course, that the number of those completing their terms of indenture is not an absolute gauge, at any given date, of the size of the freedman class. To determine this it would be necessary to know the average span of life of the freedman, a thing certainly not worked out at the time and impossible of accomplishment now. We may assume, however, that it was relatively long. The newcomer who had lived through the first terrible year in the tobacco fields had been thoroughly tested, "seasoned" as the planters called it, and was reasonably certain of reaching a mature age. Moreover, the servants were almost universally of very tender years. Seldom indeed would a dealer accept one over twenty-eight, and the average seems to have been between seventeen and twenty-three. The reasons for this are obvious. Not only were young men and women more adaptable to changed conditions, more capable of resisting the Virginia climate, stronger and more vigorous, but they proved more tractable and entered upon the adventure more eagerly.[3-9] These conclusions are fully borne out by an examination of the lists of servants given in Hotten's Emigrants to America. Of the first 159 servants here entered whose ages are attached, the average is twenty-three years.[3-10] And as many of these persons were brought over as skilled artisans to take part in the industrial life which the Company had planned for the colony, it is probable that they were much older than the average servant of later days who came as an agricultural laborer. There is every reason to believe, then, that the average servant[43] was still in his prime when he completed his term, perhaps not more than twenty-six or twenty-seven, with many years of usefulness and vigor before him.

It must also be remembered that the freedman, by a display of energy and capability, might acquire property, marry and rear a family. While the number of indentured servants was strictly limited to those who were brought in from the outside, the class of poor freemen might and did enjoy a natural increase within itself. Thus it was inevitable that with the passing of the years the servants were more and more outnumbered by the growing group of freemen. In 1649, when the population was but 15,000,[3-11] 6,000 servants might well have performed most of the manual labor of the tobacco fields, but in 1670, when the inhabitants numbered 40,000,[3-12] or in 1697 when they were 70,000,[3-13] they would form a comparatively small proportion of the people, so small in fact that most of the work of necessity had to be done by freemen. In other words the picture so often presented, even by historians of established reputation, of a Seventeenth century Virginia in which the land was divided into large plantations owned by rich proprietors and tilled chiefly by indentured servants is entirely erroneous. Such a state of affairs was made impossible by the very nature of the system of indentures itself.

It becomes a matter of prime interest, then, to determine what became of the mass of freedmen, what rôle they played in the social and economic life of the colony. Because the servant who had completed his term was free to follow his own bent, we have no right to assume that he sought at once to establish himself as an independent proprietor. He might seek service with the large planters as a hired laborer, he might become a tenant. In either case the population would have been divided into two classes—the wealthy landowner and those who served him.

[44]

We know that at all periods of Virginia history there were a certain number of persons employed as wage earners. The colonial laws and the county records contain many references to them. Payment of wages was not unusual even under the Company, and we are told by George Sandys that hired laborers received one pound of tobacco a day in addition to their food.[3-14] In later years we have from time to time references to wage rates, and in some cases copies of contracts entered into between employer and wage earner. But such cases are comparatively rare, and it is evident that the use of hired labor throughout the colonial period was the exception rather than the rule. In fact it would seem that few save servants newly freed and lacking in the funds necessary for purchasing and equipping little farms of their own ever sought employment upon the large plantations. And even in such cases the contracts were for comparatively short periods, since it often required but a year or two of labor for the freedman to save enough from his wages to make a beginning as an independent proprietor.

When once established, there was no reason, in the days prior to the introduction of slavery, why he should not hold his own in competition with his wealthy neighbor. In the production of tobacco the large plantation, so long as it was cultivated only by expensive white labor, offered no marked advantage over the small. With the cost of land very low, with the means of earning the purchase price so readily in hand, with the conditions for an independent career all so favorable, it was not to be expected that the freedman should content himself permanently with the status of a hired laborer.

Nor was there any reason why he should become a tenant. Had all the fertile land been preëmpted, as was the case on the banks of the Hudson, the poor man might have been compelled to lease the soil upon which he expended his efforts or[45] do without entirely. But such was not the case. It is true that at the end of the Seventeenth century certain wealthy men got possession of large tracts of unsettled land, but their monopoly was so far from complete that they gladly sold off their holdings in little parcels to the first purchasers who presented themselves. Apparently they made no attempts to establish themselves in a position similar to that of the great landlords of England.

The records afford ample evidence that the leasing of property was by no means unknown in colonial Virginia, but the custom was comparatively rare. Hugh Jones, writing in 1721, declared that the tenant farmers constituted but a small fraction of the population, a fact which he explained by the unusual facilities for acquiring property in fee simple.[3-15] It would have been folly for the tobacco planter to expend his labor upon another man's property, perhaps erecting barns and fences and otherwise improving it, when he could for so small an outlay secure land of his own.

Thus we are led to the conclusion that the average Virginia plantation must have been comparatively small in extent. The development of large estates was narrowly limited by the various factors which made it impossible to secure an adequate labor supply—the restrictions upon the slave trade, the insufficient number of indentured servants and the shortness of their terms, the unwillingness of freedmen and others to work for wages. On the other hand, it would be expected that the servants upon securing their freedom would purchase land of their own, and cover all tidewater Virginia with little farms.

Turning to the various records of the time that deal with the distribution of land—deeds, wills, transfers, tax lists, inventories—we find that these conclusions are fully borne out. All reveal the fact that the average plantation, especially in the Seventeenth century, so far from vieing with the vast estates[46] in existence in certain parts of America, was but a few hundred acres in extent.

The land transfers of Surry county afford an interesting illustration. In thirty-four instances mentioned during the years from 1684 to 1686, for which the exact number of acres is given, the largest is 500 acres, the smallest twenty. The aggregate of all land which changed hands is 6,355 acres, or an average of 187 for each sale. There are eleven transfers of 100 acres or less, twenty-three transfers of 200 or less and only four of more than 300 acres.[3-16] One can find in this no evidence of the fabled barons of colonial Virginia, but only of a well established class of small proprietors.

The York county books for the years from 1696 to 1701 tell the same story. Here we find recorded forty-one transfers and leases. Twenty-two are for 100 acres or less, 33 for 200 acres or less, and four, one for 1,400, one for 1,210, one for 600 and one for 550, are more than 300 acres in extent. The aggregate is 8,153 acres and the average 199.[3-17]

In the Rappahannock county records from 1680 to 1688 of fifteen land transfers taken at random from the books, the largest is 400 while the average is 168 acres.[3-18] Of the forty-eight transfers mentioned in the Essex county books for the years from 1692 to 1695, the largest is 600 acres and the smallest 50. Twenty are for 100 acres or less, 31 for 200 or less and only four for over 300.[3-19]

That conditions not fundamentally different prevailed in the early days of the colony is shown by the census taken of the landowners in 1626. Of the holdings listed no less than 25 were for 50 acres or less, 73 for 100 and most of the others for less than 300 acres. The total number of proprietors listed is 224 and the total acreage 34,472, giving an average for each plantation of 154 acres.[3-20]

It has been assumed by certain writers that the land grants[47] preserved in the Registrar's Office in Richmond tend to contradict this evidence. Although the average patent is by no means large, it is much more extensive than the typical land transfer. In 1638 this average was 423 acres, in 1640 it was 405, in 1642 it was 559, in 1645 it was 333, in 1648 it was 412, in 1650 it was 675. During the entire period from 1634 to 1650 inclusive the size of the average land grant was 446 acres. From 1650 to 1655 the average was 591 acres, from 1655 to 1666 six hundred and seventy-one, from 1666 to 1679 eight hundred and ninety acres, from 1679 to 1689 six hundred and seven acres, from 1689 to 1695 six hundred and one acres, from 1695 to 1700 six hundred and eighty-eight acres.[3-21] In the course of the entire second half of the Seventeenth century the average size of the patent was 674 acres.

Yet these facts have little direct bearing upon the extent of the plantations themselves. The system of granting land, as we have seen, was not based upon the individual needs of the planters, but upon the number of headrights presented to the Government. Obviously it was the question of the most economical method of transporting immigrants which would determine the average size of the grant. If it proved best to bring in servants in small groups, distributed among vessels devoted chiefly to merchandise, the patents would be small; if they came in on immigrant vessels, in numbers ranging from 50 to 200, the patents would be large.

Apparently both methods were in vogue. There are grants recorded varying in size from 50 acres to 10,000 acres.[3-22] Beyond doubt many merchants, finding that their vessels on the western voyage were not fully laden, from time to time took on a few indentured servants. If they furnished accommodation for from ten to twenty immigrants, they could demand, in addition to the sale of the indentures, 500 to 1,000 acres of land. It was a frequent practice, also, for planters in Virginia[48] to send orders to their agents in England to procure and ship one or more servants as need for them arose.[3-23] "Your brother George hath moved you in his letters to send him over some servants the next year," wrote Richard Kemp to Robert Read in 1639.[3-24] Undoubtedly in cases of this kind the servants usually sailed in small parties upon the regular merchant vessels.

On the other hand it would appear that large numbers of persons arrived on strictly immigrant vessels, in which they made the chief if not the only cargo. Some of the best known men in the colony were dealers in servants and reaped from the business very large profits. Of these perhaps the best known in the earlier period was William Claiborne, celebrated for his dispute with the Maryland proprietors over the possession of Kent Island. Peter Ashton was another extensive dealer in servants, at one time receiving 2,550 acres for his headrights, at another 2,000. Isaac Allerton, Lewis Burwell, Giles Brent, Joseph Bridger and many others of like prominence are upon the patent rolls for large grants. The most inveterate dealer in servants, however, was Robert Beverley. This well known planter, so famous for his part in Bacon's Rebellion and in the political contests which grew out of it, is credited with patents aggregating 25,000 or 30,000 acres.[3-25]

Often partnerships were formed for the importation of servants, in which cases the patents were made out jointly. Among the more interesting are patents to Robert Beverley and Henry Hartwell, to Thomas Butt and Thomas Milner, to William Bassett and James Austin, to Thomas Blunt and Richard Washington. When associations of three or more persons were formed for the importation of servants, a not infrequent occurrence, the number of headrights is unusually large and the grants patented in consequence extensive. Thus[49] Edmund Bibbie and others are credited with 3,350 acres, Robert Ambrose and others with 6,000, George Archer and others with 4,000.[3-26]

It is clear, then, that the size of the average patent in the Seventeenth century is not an indication of the extent of the average plantation. If economic conditions were such as to encourage large holdings, extensive farms would appear regardless of the original patents, for the small proprietors would be driven to the wall by their more wealthy rivals and forced to sell out to them. On the other hand, if the large planters found it difficult to secure adequate labor they would of necessity have to break up their estates and dispose of them to the small freeholders. That the latter development and not the former actually took place in Virginia during the Seventeenth century a careful examination of the country records makes most apparent.

Over and over again in the records of various land transfers it is stated that the property in question had belonged originally to a more extensive tract, the patent for which was granted under the headright law. A typical case is that of John Dicks who purchased for 8,500 pounds of tobacco, "all the remaining part of 900 acres gotten by the transporting of 19 persons."[3-27] Similarly we find John Johnson in 1653 selling to Robert Roberts half of 900 acres which he had received by patent.[3-28] In 1693 John Brushood sold to James Grey 200 acres, a part of 5,100 acres originally granted to Mr. Henry Awbrey.[3-29] Such cases could be multiplied indefinitely.

Perhaps the most instructive instance left us of this development is the break up of a tract of land known as Button's Ridge, in Essex country. This property, comprising 3,650 acres, was granted to Thomas Button in the year 1666.[3-30] The original patentee transferred the entire tract to his brother Robert Button, who in turn sold it to John Baker. The latter,[50] finding no doubt that he could not put under cultivation so much land, cut it up into small parcels and sold it off to various planters. Of these transactions we have, most fortunately, a fairly complete record. To Captain William Moseley he sold 200 acres, to John Garnet 600, to Robert Foster 200, to William Smither 200, to William Howlett 200, to Anthony Samuell 300, to William Williams 200. It is probable that he sold also a small holding to Henry Creighton, for we find the latter, in 1695, transferring to William Moseley 100 acres, formerly a part of Button's Ridge.[3-31]

Important as are these gleanings from the county records, we have at our disposal even better and more conclusive evidence that colonial Virginia was divided, not into baronial estates of vast proportions, but into a large number of comparatively small farms. Governor Nicholson's rent roll, which is published as an appendix to this volume, for the early years of the Eighteenth century at least, places the matter beyond doubt. Here we have before us an official inventory of all Virginia save the Northern Neck, giving the name of every proprietor and the number of acres in his possession.

It will be remembered that in the Crown colonies there was a perpetual obligation imposed upon all land when first granted known as the quit-rent. In Virginia this duty amounted to one shilling for every fifty acres, payable in tobacco at the rate of a penny per pound.[3-32] Despite the fact that some 27 per cent of the returns was consumed by the cost of collection, and that there were frequent frauds in disposing of the tobacco, the revenue derived from this source was of considerable importance.[3-33] The amount collected in 1705 was £1,841. 1. 6-3/4. When James Blair, the Virginia Commissary of the Bishop of London, petitioned William and Mary for a fund from the accumulated quit-rents for his proposed college at Williamsburg, some of the British governmental officials objected[51] strenuously. "This sum is perhaps the only ready cash in all the plantations," it was declared, "which happens to be by good husbandry and is a stock for answering any emergency that may happen in Virginia."[3-34]

Throughout the entire Seventeenth century, however, the Governors had experienced great difficulty in collecting this tax. Over and over again they reported in their letters to the Board of Trade that there were large arrears of quit-rents which it was impossible to make the landowners pay.[3-35] The reason for this was obvious enough. In each county the tax collector was the sheriff. Although this officer was appointed by the Governor, he usually had a wholesome respect for the larger proprietors and in consequence was wary of giving offense by holding them to too strict an account of their estates.[3-36] At times the sheriffs themselves were the sufferers by this state of affairs, for they were held responsible for the rents upon all land patented in their counties, for which returns had not been made.

Although the Governors from time to time made rather feeble attempts to remedy the prevailing laxness in this matter, nothing of importance was accomplished before the first administration of Francis Nicholson. The chief executive himself had much need of the good will of the richer inhabitants, and he was not over forward in forcing them to bring in accurate returns. Nicholson, however, who prided himself on his executive ability and who was bent on breaking the power of the clique which centered around the Council of State, exerted himself to the utmost to secure full payment for every acre.

So early as 1690 we find him issuing orders to the sheriffs for the drawing up of an accurate rent roll, through an examination of the patent lists and the records of land transfers.[3-37] May 15, 1691, he took up the matter again, warning the sheriffs[52] that he expected more accurate returns than they had yet made.[3-38] With the appointment of Sir Edmund Andros as Governor, however, interest in the quit-rents lapsed, and not until his removal and the reappointment of Nicholson was the attempt resumed.

In July, 1699, Nicholson wrote the Commissioners of Trade and Plantations that he was doing his best to improve the quit-rents and that the auditor had been ordered to draw up a scheme for securing a more exact list of land holdings.[3-39] But for a while the matter still hung fire. The leading men in the Government were ready enough in making suggestions, but they were extensive landholders themselves and apparently rendered no real assistance. "I have considered those papers given me by your Excellency relating to a perfect rent roll," the auditor, William Byrd I wrote Nicholson, Oct. 21, 1703, "notwithstanding I have, according to your repeated directions used my utmost diligence in giving charge to sheriffs and taking their oaths to rolls, I am sensible there is still very great abuse therein."[3-40]

Despite these discouragements Nicholson persisted and in 1704 succeeded in obtaining the first really accurate rent roll of the colony. These lists have long been missing, and perhaps were destroyed in one of the several fires which have wrought so much havoc with the records of colonial Virginia, but a true copy was made by the clerk, William Robertson, and sent to the Board of Trade. Fortunately the British Government has been more careful of its priceless historical manuscripts than has Virginia, and this copy today reposes in the Public Record Office in London, a veritable treasure trove of information concerning economic and social conditions in the colony.[3-41]

Even a cursory examination of the rent roll is sufficient to dispel the old belief that Virginia at this time was the land[53] of the large proprietor. As one glances down the list of plantations he is struck by the number of little holdings, the complete absence of huge estates, the comparative scarcity even of those that for a newly settled country might be termed extensive. Here and there, especially in the frontier counties is listed a tract of four or five or even ten thousand acres, but such cases are very rare. In Middlesex county there is but one plantation of more than 2,500 acres, in Charles City county the largest holding is 3,130, in Nansemond 2,300, in Norfolk county 3,200, in Princess Anne 3,100, in Elizabeth City county 2,140, in York 2,750, in Essex 3,200.

On the other hand the rolls reveal the existence of thousands of little proprietors, whose holdings of from 50 to 500 acres embraced the larger part of the cultivated soil of the colony. Thus we find that in Nansemond, of 376 farms 26 were of 50 acres or less, 66 were between 50 and 100 acres, 110 between 100 and 200 acres, 88 between 200 and 400 acres, 78 between 400 and 1,000 acres, and only eight over 1,000 acres. In Middlesex county out of 122 holdings eleven were of 50 acres or less, 33 between 50 and 100 acres, 32 between 100 and 200 acres, 25 between 200 and 500 acres, 19 between 500 and 2,500 acres, one of 4,000 acres and one of 5,200 acres. Of the 94 plantations in Charles City county 26 were of 100 acres or less, 21 between 100 and 200 acres, 25 between 200 and 500 acres, 19 between 500 and 2,500 acres and three more than 2,500 acres.[3-42]

Although the average size of the plantations varied considerably in different counties it was everywhere comparatively small, far smaller than the average land grant of the time, far smaller than has been imagined by some of the closest students of the period. For Nansemond the rolls reveal the average holding as 212 acres, for James City county 400, for York 298, for Warwick 308, for Elizabeth City county 255,[54] for Princess Anne 459, for Gloucester 395, for Middlesex 406, for Charles City county 553.[3-43]

In the past few decades much has been written of the social life and customs of the people of colonial Virginia. But except in the able works of Dr. Philip Alexander Bruce little has been said concerning the small planter class, the men who made up the vast bulk of the population, the true Seventeenth century Virginians. We have long and detailed descriptions of the residences of the small group of the well-to-do, their libraries, their furniture, their table ware, their portraits, their clothing, their amusements. The genealogy of the leading families has been worked out with minute care, their histories recorded, some of their leading members idealized by the writers of fiction. The mention of colonial Virginia brings instantly to mind a picture of gay cavaliers, of stately ladies, of baronial estates, of noble manors. And the sturdy, independent class of small farmers who made up a full 90 per cent of the freeholders at the time the rent roll was taken, have been relegated into undeserved obscurity.

It is to be noted that the roll does not include the names of proprietors residing in the Northern Neck, as the peninsula between the Potomac and the Rappahannock is called. This territory, although acknowledging the jurisdiction of the Government at Williamsburg in most matters and sending representatives to the House of Burgesses, paid its quit-rents, not to the Crown but to a proprietor. Nicholson, therefore, was not concerned in their collection and took no steps to list its landholders in his new roll. There is no reason to believe, however, that conditions in that part of the colony were fundamentally different.

Nor can the accuracy of the rent roll be challenged. There existed always the incentive to make false returns, of course, in order to escape the payment of taxes, and not many sheriffs[55] were so diligent as the one in Henrico who unearthed 1,669 acres that had been "concealed."[3-44] Yet it must be remembered that the Governor brought to bear all the pressure at his disposal to make this particular roll accurate, that the sheriffs were his appointees, that they could not lightly defy him in so important a matter. And even though in isolated cases they may have winked at false returns from men of wealth and rank, from the mass of small proprietors they must have insisted upon reports as accurate as the records or actual surveying could make them. No doubt certain uncultivated tracts in the frontier counties were omitted, but with these we are not immediately concerned. For conditions in the older parts of the colony, where the slow evolution of economic factors had been at work for a century, the roll presents unimpeachable evidence that the bulk of the cultivated land was divided into small plantations.

But it still remains to prove that their owners were men of meagre fortunes, men who tilled the soil with their own hands. After all a farm of two or three hundred acres might give scope for large activities, the employment of many servants and slaves, the acquisition of some degree of wealth. Might it not be possible that though the acres of the planter were limited, his estate after all corresponded somewhat with the popular conception?

This leads us to a study of the distribution of servants and slaves among the planters. At the outset we are faced with convincing evidence that at the end of the Seventeenth century the average number for each farm was very small. This is shown by a comparison of the number of plantations listed in the rent roll of 1704 with the estimated number of workers. In the counties for which the sheriffs made returns for Governor Nicholson there were some 5,500 landholders. When to these is added the proprietors of the Northern Neck the[56] number must have approximated 6,500. If at this time the servants numbered 4,000, as seems probable,[3-45] and the slaves 6,000, together they would have averaged but 1.5 workers for each plantation. A decade earlier, when the use of slaves was still comparatively infrequent, the figure must have been still lower.

Fortunately we have even more direct and detailed evidence. Throughout almost all of Virginia colonial history one of the chief methods of raising revenue for the Government was the direct poll tax. This levy was laid, however, not only on every freeman over sixteen years of age, but upon male servants over 14, female servants who worked in the fields, and slaves above 16 of either sex, all of whom were officially termed tithables.[3-46] The tax rolls in which these persons were listed, some of which have been preserved among the county records, throw much light upon social and economic conditions in the colony.

In one district of Surry county we find in the year 1675 that there were 75 taxpayers and only 126 tithables. In other words only 51 persons in this district had this duty paid for them by others, whether parents, guardians or masters. And of the taxpayers, forty-two were liable for themselves alone, having no servants, slaves or dependent sons over 16; fifteen were liable for one other person, eight for two others, and only one, Lieutenant-Colonel Jordan, for so many as seven.[3-47]

In other districts the story is the same. In one there were forty taxpayers, 75 tithables and 25 persons who paid for themselves alone; in another 28 taxpayers, 62 tithables, fifteen who had no servants or slaves; in a third 48 taxpayers, 83 tithables, 28 who paid only for themselves, eleven who paid for two, five who paid for three; in a fourth district 29 taxpayers, 63 tithables, fourteen who had no servants or slaves; in a fifth 25 taxpayers, 45 tithables, 12 who paid only for[57] themselves.[3-48] Thus in Surry county in the year 1675 there were in all 245 taxpayers and 434 tithables. In other words the men who paid their own tax outnumbered all those whose tax was paid for them, whether servants, slaves or relatives, at the ratio of about 4 to 3.

A study of the records of the same county ten years later leads to almost identical results. At that time Surry seems to have been divided into four districts. In the first there were 78 taxpayers, 132 tithables, 30 persons who paid only for themselves; in the second, 63 taxpayers, 133 tithables, 33 persons who paid for themselves alone; in the third there were 38 taxpayers, 74 tithables and 22 persons paying only for themselves; in the fourth 125 taxpayers, 201 tithables and 81 persons having no dependents to pay for. Thus there were 540 tithables in all and 304 taxpayers. In the entire county there were about 122 persons who paid the poll tax for others. The largest holders of servants or slaves were Mr. Robert Randall with seven, Lieutenant-Colonel William Browne with nine, Mr. Robert Canfield with seven, Mr. Arthur Allen with six, Mr. William Edwards with six, Mr. Francis Mason with seven and Mr. Thomas Binns with eight.[3-49]

Here again is proof that the popular conception of the Virginia plantation life of the Seventeenth century is erroneous. Instead of the wealthy planter who surrounded himself with scores of servants and slaves, investigation reveals hundreds of little farmers, many of them trusting entirely to their own exertions for the cultivation of the soil, others having but one or two servants, and a bare handful of well-to-do men each having from five to ten, or in rare cases twenty or thirty, servants and slaves.

A further confirmation of these conclusions is to be had by comparing the number of plantations listed in the rent roll of 1704 with the official returns of tithables for 1702.[3-50] Thus in[58] Nansemond there were 375 plantations and 1,030 tithables, Henrico with 162 plantations had 863 tithables, Middlesex with 122 plantations had 814 tithables, Gloucester with 381 plantations had 2,626, James City with 287 plantations had 1,193, York with 205 plantations had 1,180, Warwick with 122 plantations had 505, Elizabeth City with 116 plantations had 478, Princess Anne with 215 plantations had 727, Surry with 273 plantations had 739, Isle of Wight with 262 plantations had 896, Norfolk with 303 plantations had 693, New Kent with 497 plantations had 1,245, King William with 217 plantations had 803, King and Queen with 403 plantations had 1,848, Essex with 376 plantations had 1,034, Accomac with 392 plantations had 1,041, Northampton with 258 plantations had 693, Charles City and Prince George together with 420 plantations had 1,327.[3-51]

In Nansemond the average number of tithables as compared with the number of plantations was 2.7, in Henrico 5.1, in Middlesex 6.7, in Gloucester 6.9, in James City 4.2, in York 5.7, in Warwick 4.1, in Elizabeth City 4, in Princess Anne 3.4, in Surry 2.7, in Isle of Wight 3.3, in Norfolk 2.3, in New Kent 2.5, in King William 3.7, in King and Queen 4.6, in Essex 2.8, in Accomac 2.6, in Northampton 2.3, in Charles City and Prince George combined 3.1. In all Virginia, with the exclusion of the Northern Neck, there were 19,715 tithables and some 5,500 plantations, an average of 3.6 tithables for each plantation. If we deduct from the tithables all the male freeholders included in the rent roll, there remains only some 14,700 persons south of the Rappahannock to make up the list, not only of servants and slaves, but of professional men, wage earners, artisans and dependent sons of landholders over 16 years of age.

Another invaluable source of information concerning the distribution of servants and slaves is provided by the numerous[59] inventories, deeds, and wills which have been preserved in the records. Thus in Surry during the years from 1671 to 1686 we find listed the estates of fifty-nine persons. Of these no less than fifty-two were apparently without servants or slaves; two, William Rooking and Captain Robert Spencer, had five each; one, Mr. William Chambers, had three; and four, Captain William Corker, John Hoge, Mr. John Goring and Samuel Cornell, had one each.[3-52]

In Elizabeth City of twenty-seven estates recorded during the years from 1684 to 1699 sixteen were without servants or slaves; of twenty-six recorded in York during the period from 1694 to 1697 thirteen had no servants or slaves; of twenty-three recorded in Henrico from 1677 to 1692 fourteen were without servants or slaves.[3-53] It is true that these inventories and wills, since they would usually pertain to persons of advanced age, perhaps do not furnish an absolutely accurate gauge of the average number of servants held by each planter. On the other hand, it is equally probable that a larger proportion of big estates than of the small found their way into the records. At all events it is evident that a goodly proportion of the landholders, perhaps sixty or sixty-five per cent possessed no slaves or indentured servants, and trusted solely to their own exertions for the cultivation of their plantations.

Thus vanishes the fabled picture of Seventeenth century Virginia. In its place we see a colony filled with little farms a few hundred acres in extent, owned and worked by a sturdy class of English farmers. Prior to the slave invasion which marked the close of the Seventeenth century and the opening of the Eighteenth, the most important factor in the life of the Old Dominion was the white yeomanry.


[60]

CHAPTER IV

Freemen and Freedmen

It is obvious that the small planter class had its origin partly in the immigration of persons who paid their own passage, partly in the graduation into freedmen of large numbers of indentured servants. But to determine accurately the proportion of each is a matter of great difficulty. Had all the records of Seventeenth century Virginia been preserved, it would have been possible, by means of long and laborious investigation, to arrive at strictly accurate conclusions. But with the material in hand one has to be satisfied with an approximation of the truth.

It must again be emphasized that the indentured servants were not slaves, and that at the expiration of their terms there was no barrier, legal, racial or social to their advancement. The Lords of Trade and Plantations, in 1676, expressed their dissatisfaction at the word "servitude" as applied to them, which they felt was a mark of bondage and slavery, and thought it better "rather to use the word service, since those servants are only apprentices for years."[4-1] "Malitious tongues have impaired it (Virginia) much," Bullock declared in 1649, "for it hath been a constant report among the ordinary sort of people that all those servants who are sent to Virginia are sold into slavery, whereas the truth is that the merchants who send servants and have no plantations of their own doe not only transferre their time over to others, but the servants serve no longer than the time they themselves agreed for in England, and this is the ordinary course in England, and no prejudice or hurt to the servant."[4-2]

[61]

The terms of indenture not only took for granted that the servant, upon completing his contract, would establish himself as a proprietor, but usually made it obligatory for the master to furnish him with the equipment necessary for his new life. With rare exceptions he received a quantity of grain sufficient to maintain him for one year; two suits, one of Kersey, the other of cotton; a pair of canvas drawers; two shirts; and one felt hat.[4-3] The historian Beverley states that to this outfit was added a gun worth twenty shillings.[4-4] Another writer tells us that the freedman received "a year's provision of corne, double apparel" and a supply of tools.[4-5]

There existed in England a widespread impression that the servant, upon securing his freedom, was entitled by law to fifty acres of land. This appears to have been a mistake arising from a misapprehension of the nature of the headright, which belonged not to the servant himself, but to the person who paid for his transportation. In many cases the indentures do not state the exact rewards to be received by the new freedman, but only that they are to accord with "the custom of the country," a very elastic term which could be construed by the master to suit his own interest.[4-6] John Hammond, in his Leah and Rachel, strongly advised the immigrant before affixing his signature to the indenture to insist upon the inclusion of a clause specifically providing for the payment of the fifty acres.[4-7] But the importance which attaches to this matter lies as much in the servant's expectation as in its fulfilment. Whether or not he received his little plantation, he believed that he was to get a tract of land, a very extensive tract it must have seemed to him, which would assure him a good living and make it possible for him to rise out of the class to which he belonged.[4-8]

In 1627 the Virginia General Court issued an order which is significant of the attitude of the colony itself to the freedmen. "The Court, taking into consideration that the next ensueing[62] year there will be many tenants and servants freed unto whom after their freedom there will be no land due, whereby they may without some order taken to the contrary settle and seat themselves ... have ordered that the Governor and Council may give unto the said servants and tenants leases for terms of years such quantities of land as shall be needful."[4-9] Thus, at this period at least, not only was it expected in the colony that servants would become land holders, but it was felt that for them not to do so was a matter of such grave concern as to require the special attention of the Government.

After all, however, the key to the situation must be sought in the history of tobacco culture and the tobacco trade. Tobacco was the universal crop of the colony and upon it every man depended for his advancement and prosperity. If the market was good and the price high, the planters flourished; if sales fell off and the price was low, they suffered accordingly. It is evident, then, that the ability of the freedman to secure a position of economic independence hinged upon the profit to be derived from his little tobacco crop. It does not matter whether he worked as a wage earner, tenant or freeholder, in the end the result would be the same. If the returns from his labor greatly exceeded his expenses, his savings would make it possible for him to establish himself firmly in the class of the colonial yeomanry. On the other hand, if he could wring from the soil no more than a bare subsistence, he would remain always a poor laborer, or perhaps be forced to seek his fortune in some other colony. Thus if we are to understand the status of the freed servant and the hope which he could entertain of advancement, it is necessary to turn our attention once more to economic conditions in the colony. First, we must determine the amount of tobacco the freedman could produce by his unassisted labor; second, the price he received for it; third, how much he had to give the[63] merchants in exchange for their wares; and finally, the margin of profit left after all expenses had been paid.

Despite a marked divergence of testimony regarding the amount of tobacco one man could cultivate, we are able to determine this matter with some degree of exactness. In 1627 the King, in outlining a plan to take into his own hands the entire tobacco trade, proposed to limit the imports to 200 pounds for each master of a family and 125 for each servant.[4-10] To this, however, the planters entered a vigorous protest, claiming that the quantity was "not sufficient for their maintenance." They in turn suggested that the King take a total of 500,000 pounds a year, which for a population of 3,000 meant 167 pounds for each inhabitant, or perhaps about 500 pounds for each actual laborer.[4-11] Again in 1634 it was proposed that the Crown purchase yearly 600,000 pounds of Virginia tobacco.[4-12] As the population of the colony at that date was about 5,000, this would have allowed only 120 pounds for each person, and once more the planters protested vigorously.[4-13] It would seem that both of these offers were based not so much upon the amount that one man could raise as upon the quantity which could be sold in England at a certain price. In fact it is probable that even so early as 1628 the average output of one freedman was not less than 1,000 pounds. It is interesting to note that in 1640, soon after Governor Francis Wyatt's arrival from England, it was found that the excessive crop of the previous year had so clogged the market that upon the advice of the merchants the Government was "forced to a strict way of destroying the bad and halfe the goode."[4-14]

The author of A New Description of Virginia, published in 1649, claims that one man could plant from 1,600 to 2,000 pounds a year.[4-15] As the pamphlet presents a somewhat optimistic picture of affairs in general in the colony, this estimate[64] must be taken with some reserve. More trustworthy is the statement of Secretary Thomas Ludwell in 1667 that 1,200 pounds was "the medium of men's yearly crops."[4-16]

At all events, it is evident that the planter, even when entirely dependent upon his own exertions, could produce a goodly crop. It is now necessary to ascertain what he got for it. In the second and third decades of the Seventeenth century the price of tobacco was very high. The first cargo, consisting of 20,000 pounds consigned in the George, sold for no less than £5,250, or 5s. 3d. a pound.[4-17] No wonder the leaders of the London Company were pleased, believing that in the Indian weed they had discovered a veritable gold mine! No wonder the settlers deserted their pallisades and their villages to seek out the richest soil and the spots best suited for tobacco culture! The man who could produce 200 pounds of the plant, after all freight charges had been met, could clear some £30 or £35, a very tidy sum indeed for those days. It was the discovery that Virginia could produce tobacco of excellent quality that accounts for the heavy migration in the years from 1618 to 1623. In fact, so rich were the returns that certain persons came to the colony, not with the intention of making it their permanent residence, but of enriching themselves "by a cropp of Tobacco," and then returning to England to enjoy the proceeds.[4-18]

But this state of affairs was of necessity temporary. Very soon the increasing size of the annual crop began to tell upon the price, and in 1623 Sir Nathaniel Rich declared that he had bought large quantities of tobacco at two shillings a pound.[4-19] This gentleman felt that it would be just to the planters were they to receive two shillings and four pence for the best varieties, and sixteen pence for the "second sort." In the same year Governor Wyatt and his Council, in a letter to the Virginia Company, placed the valuation of tobacco at[65] eighteen pence a pound.[4-20] Three years later, however, the Governor wrote the Privy Council advising the establishment in Virginia of a "magazine" or entrepot, where the merchants should be compelled to take the tobacco at three shillings a pound.[4-21] This proposal did not seem reasonable to the King, and when Sir George Yeardley came over as Governor for the second time he was instructed to see to it that "the merchant be not constrained to take tobacco at 3. P. Pound in exchange for his wares," and to permit him to "make his own bargain."[4-22]

Apparently not discouraged by this rebuff, in 1628 the Governor, Council and Burgesses petitioned the King, who once more was planning to take the trade into his own hands, to grant them "for their tobacco delivered in the colony three shillings and six pence per pound, and in England, four shillings."[4-23] This valuation undoubtedly was far in advance of the current prices, and King Charles, considering it unreasonable would not come to terms with the planters. In fact, it appears that for some years the price of tobacco had been declining rapidly. In May, 1630, Sir John Harvey wrote the Privy Council that the merchants had bought the last crop with their commodities at less than a penny per pound,[4-24] and two years later, in a statement sent the Virginia Commissioners, he claimed that the price still remained at that figure.[4-25]

It may be taken for granted, however, that this estimate was far below the actual price. The planters showed a decided tendency to blow hot or cold according to the purpose in view, and in these two particular statements Sir John was pleading for better treatment from the merchants. Yet it is reasonably certain that tobacco was at a low ebb in the years from 1629 to 1633, and sold at a small fraction of the figures of the preceding decade.[4-26] The Governor repeatedly wrote asking for relief, while in the Assembly attempts were made[66] to restore the market by restricting the size of the annual crop.[4-27]

Yet things must have taken a favorable turn soon after, for in 1634 the planters informed the King's Commissioners that they would not sell him their tobacco at less than six pence in Virginia and fourteen pence delivered in England.[4-28] Later the King wrote to the Governor and Council that the rate had recently "doubly or trebly advanced."[4-29] This is substantiated by the fact that the Commissioners, in 1638, allowed the planters "4d. a pound clear of all charges," despite which they complained that in an open market they could do better.[4-30]

In 1638 several prominent Virginians estimated that on an average during the preceding eleven years they had received not more than two pence for their tobacco, but here again it is probable that there was some exaggeration.[4-31] In 1649 the author of A New Description of Virginia stated that tobacco sold in Virginia for three pence a pound.[4-32] All in all it seems that prices in the early years of the settlement varied from five shillings to a few pence, that a disastrous slump occurred at the end of the third decade, followed by a rapid recovery which brought the rate to about three pence, at which figure it remained fairly constant for twenty-five years or more throughout the Civil War and most of the Commonwealth periods.

The return which the Virginia farmer received from his one staple crop was determined by a number of factors over which he himself had but little control. Had he been permitted to seek his own market and drive his own bargain free from the restraining hand of the British Government, no doubt he would have secured a much better price. But from the moment it became apparent that the Virginia tobacco rivalled in flavor that of the Spanish colonies and could command as ready a sale throughout Europe, the trade was subjected[67] to various regulations and restrictions which proved most vexatious to the colony and elicited frequent and vigorous protests. Neither James nor Charles had any idea of permitting free trade. In their prolonged struggle with the liberal party both saw in tobacco a ready means of aiding the Exchequer, and so of advancing toward the goal of financial independence. These monarchs were by no means hostile to Virginia. In fact, both took great interest in the tiny settlement upon the James, which they looked upon as the beginning of the future British colonial empire. Yet they lent too willing an ear to those who argued that tobacco might be made to yield a goodly revenue to the Crown without injury to the planters.

The policy adopted by the early Stuart kings and adhered to with but minor changes throughout the colonial period consisted of four essential features. First, the tobacco raised in the plantations should be sent only to England; second, upon entering the mother country it must pay a duty to the Crown; third, Spanish tobacco should be excluded or its importation strictly limited; lastly, the cultivation of the plant in England itself was forbidden.

In the years when the colony was still weak and dependent upon the mother country this program was not unfair. The prohibition of tobacco growing in England, however unnecessary it would have been under conditions of free trade, was felt by the planters to be a real concession, while the restrictions upon foreign importations saved them from dangerous competition at the very time when they were least able to combat it. Nor were they seriously injured by the imposition of the customs duties. The planters themselves imagined that the incidence of this tax fell upon their own shoulders and that they were impoverished to the full extent of the revenues derived from it. But in this they were mistaken. The duty, in[68] the last resort, was paid not by the planters but by the British consumers. The colonists were affected adversely only in so far as the enhanced price of tobacco in England restricted the market.

On the other hand, the prohibition of foreign trade was a very real grievance and elicited frequent protests from the planters. Dutch merchants paid high prices for the Virginia tobacco and offered their manufactured goods in return at figures far below those of the British traders. The Virginians could not understand why they should not take advantage of this opportunity. "I humbly desire to be informed from your honors," wrote Governor Harvey to the Virginia Commissioners in 1632, "whether there be any obstacle why we may not have the same freedome of his Majesties other subjects to seek our best market."[4-33]

But Harvey was attacking what already had become a fixed policy of the Crown, a policy which was to remain the cornerstone of the British colonial system for centuries. The Government had, therefore, not the slightest intention of yielding, and from time to time issued strict orders that all colonial tobacco, whether of Virginia or the West Indies, be brought only to England or to English colonies. When Sir William Berkeley was appointed Governor in 1642 he was instructed to "bee verry careful that no ships or other vessels whatsoever depart from thence, freighted with tobacco or other commodities which that country shall afford, before bond with sufficient securities be taken to his Majesty's use, to bring the same directly into his Majesty's Dominions and not elsewhere."[4-34]

Despite the insistence of the British Government in this matter, there is abundant evidence to show that the Virginians continued to indulge in direct trade with the continent for many years after the overthrow of the Company. In 1632 Governor Harvey wrote that "our intrudinge neighbours, the[69] Dutch, doe allow us eighteen peance p. pound" for tobacco, while a few months later we find him reporting the attempt of John Constable and others "to defraud his Majesty of his duties by unloading in the Netherlands."[4-35]

With the advent of the English Civil War and throughout the Commonwealth period Virginia enjoyed a large degree of independence and found it possible to trade with the Dutch almost with impunity. Even the strict Berkeley seems to have felt it no disloyalty for the planters to seek foreign markets for their staple while the mother country was torn by the contending armies of King and Parliament. And so the merchantmen of Flushing and Amsterdam pushed their prows into every river and creek in Virginia and Maryland, taking off large quantities of tobacco and giving in return the celebrated manufactured goods of their own country. At Christmas 1648, if we may believe the testimony of the author of A New Description of Virginia, there were trading in the colony ten ships from London, two from Bristol, seven from New England and twelve from Holland. In 1655 the statement was made that "there was usually found intruding upon the plantation divers ships, surruptitiously carrying away the growth thereof to foreign ports to the prejudice of this Commonwealth."[4-36]

Thus in the years prior to the Restoration Virginia was never fully subjected to the operation of the British colonial system. When the price of tobacco in the London market fell lower and lower, the planters might and often did find relief by defying the King's commands and trading directly with the Dutch.[4-37] And this benefitted them doubly, for not only did they strike a better bargain with the foreign traders, but every cargo of tobacco diverted from England tended to relieve the market there and restore prices. In fact there can be little doubt that the frequent violations of the trade restrictions[70] of this period alone saved the colony from the poverty and distress of later days and made possible the prosperity enjoyed by the planters.

It must be noted also that of the tobacco sent to England itself, a part was reshipped to foreign countries. In 1610 a law was enacted for the refunding of all import duties upon articles that were re-exported. This drawback applied also to colonial products, but under Charles I an exception was made in their case and the privilege withdrawn. In consequence the importers made a vigorous protest in Parliament, and the King, in 1631, modified his policy by ordering that of the nine pence duty then in operation, six pence should be refunded when the tobacco was shipped abroad. In 1632 the drawback was increased to seven pence leaving the total duty paid by the merchants who traded through England to foreign countries two pence a pound only.[4-38] Although this constituted a most serious obstacle to trade and at times aroused the merchants to bitter protest, it by no means completely blocked re-exportation. So great were the natural qualifications of Virginia for producing tobacco, that it was possible to purchase a cargo from the planters on the James, proceed with it to London, pay there the two pence a pound duty, reship it to the continent and sell it there at a profit.[4-39] Although this trade was not extensive, it must have had an important influence in maintaining prices and in bringing prosperity to all classes in the colony.

Thus Virginia, contrary to the wishes of the mother country and in defiance of her regulations, enjoyed for its staple product in the years prior to 1660, a world market. Whether by direct trade or by re-exportation from England a goodly share of the annual crop was consumed in foreign countries, a share which had it been left in England to clog the market, would have reacted disastrously upon all concerned.

[71]

It is apparent, then, that in the first half century of its existence Virginia was the land of opportunity. The poor man who came to her shores, whether under terms of indenture or as a freeman, found it quite possible to establish himself as a person of some property and consideration. We may imagine the case of the servant who had completed his term and secured his freedom at any time during the third decade of the Seventeenth century. As we have seen, it was an easy matter for him to secure a small patch of land and the tools with which to cultivate it. By his unassisted efforts, if he applied himself steadily to the task, he could produce a good crop of tobacco, consisting perhaps of some 400 pounds. This he could sell to the merchants for from two shillings to six pence a pound, or a total of from £10 to £40.[4-40]

In the years from 1630 to 1640, when the price of tobacco seems to have stabilized itself at from two to three pence, cases of such extraordinary returns must have been of less frequent occurrence, but to some extent lower prices were offset by larger crops. If our freedman in 1635 could raise 800 pounds of leaf and dispose of it for four pence, his income would be £13.6.8; in 1649, by producing 1,000 pounds, he could sell it at three pence for £12.10.0. In fact, it is not too much to say that the average annual income from the labor of one able worker at any time prior to 1660 was not less than £12. When we take into consideration the fact that the planter produced his own food, and that out of the proceeds of his tobacco crop he paid only his taxes and his bills to the English importers, it is evident that he had a goodly margin of profit to lay aside as working capital.

It must not be forgotten, however, that this margin was greatly reduced by the high cost of clothing, farm implements and all other articles brought from across the ocean. The long and dangerous voyage from London to the Chesapeake[72] made the freight rates excessive, while the merchants did not scruple to drive a hard bargain whenever possible. The letters of the Governors are filled with complaints against the exactions of these men. "This year the Merchants have bought our tobacco with their commodities at less than a penny the pounde," Harvey wrote in 1630, "and have not shamed to make the planters pay twelve pounds Sterlinge the tunn freight home."[4-41] Two years later he complained that a certain Captain Tucker had just sailed leaving his stores well stocked with goods, but with "instructions to his factors not to sell but at most excessive rates."[4-42] In 1628, the Governor, Council and Burgesses, in a petition to the King, declared that for years they had "groaned under the oppression of unconscionable and cruel merchants by the excessive rates of their commodities."[4-43] Six years later Governor Harvey stated that all things which "come hither" are sold at "thrice the value they cost in England."[4-44]

It is obvious, however, that after all expenses had been paid, a goodly margin of profit was left, a margin perhaps averaging some three or four pounds sterling. The provident and industrious immigrant, a few years after the conclusion of his term, might well lay aside enough to make it possible for him in turn to secure a servant from England. This accomplished, he at once rose into the class of employers and his future advance was limited only by his capabilities and his ambition.

We would naturally expect to find, then, that during these years a large percentage of those who came to the colony under terms of indenture, sooner or later acquired land, perhaps bought servants, and became persons of some standing in the colony. Certainly the opportunity was theirs. It will be interesting therefore to study the early records in order to glean what evidence we may concerning this matter. If the servants graduated in any appreciable numbers into the planter[73] class, the patents, wills, inventories, land transfers and muster rolls could hardly fail to yield some evidence of the fact.

Turning first to the earliest period, we find that of the laborers who were imported by the London Company to cultivate the public lands, a fair proportion became proprietors and were regarded by later comers with especial esteem as "ancient planters." At the termination of their service they were granted 100 acres and when this was fully cultivated received another tract of the same extent. To the apprentices bound out to tenants even more liberal treatment was accorded, for they were provided with a year's store of corn, a house, a cow, clothing, armor, household utensils, farm tools and as much land as they could till.[4-45]

The guiding hand of the Company was missed by the freedmen after the revoking of the charter, for the Governors seem to have left them to shift for themselves. Yet this fact did not prevent many from forging ahead, acquiring land, and in some cases positions of trust in the Government itself. In Hotten's Immigrants is published a muster roll for the year 1624 of all the settlers in Virginia, in which servants are carefully distinguished from freemen.[4-46] By following, as well as the imperfect records of the period permit, the after careers of the former, it is possible to determine with a fair degree of accuracy to what extent the small farmer class at this period was recruited from persons coming to the colony under terms of indenture.

Of the forty-four Burgesses who sat in the Assembly of 1629, no less than seven—John Harris, William Allen, William Popleton, Anthony Pagett, Richard Townsend, Adam Thoroughgood and Lionell Rowlston—were listed as servants in the muster of 1624.[4-47] Thus some sixteen per cent of this important body, the Virginia House of Commons, at this time was made up of men who five years previously had been working[74] out their passage money. Among the thirty-nine members of the House of 1632, six appear as servants in the muster—Thomas Barnett, Adam Thoroughgood, Lionell Rowlston, Thomas Crump, Roger Webster and Robert Scotchmon. Whether there were other members who came over under terms of indenture but secured their freedom before 1624, we have no means of determining.

The author of Virginia's Cure, published in 1662, asserted that the Burgesses "were usual such as went over as servants thither; and though by time, and industry, they may have obtained competent estates, yet by reason of their poor and mean condition, were unskilful in judging of a good estate, either of church or Commonwealth."[4-48] This statement is a gross exaggeration both as to the composition of the Burgesses and their abilities. Instances of the election of freedmen to the House, fairly frequent in the early years of the colony, became rarer as the century advanced and the field of selection widened. Yet in the Assembly of 1652, of the thirty-five members, eight or nine appear on the patent rolls as headrights brought over by others.[4-49] It is evident that even so late as the middle of the century the door of opportunity was still open to the freedmen.

In the absence of a complete census for the decades after 1624, it is very difficult to determine what proportion of the servants listed in the muster roll of that year subsequently became landowners. Some light is thrown on the matter by a search through the patent books. Here are found a surprisingly large number of persons who in 1624 were servants. Among these are Anthony Jones, John Sparkes, John Cooke, Roger Delk, John Trussell, William Woolritch, Pettyplace Cloyse, Edward Sparshott, William Dawson, Richard Bell, Robert Browne, Nicholas Browne, John Chandler, Lionell Rowlston, Thomas Savadge, Samuel Bennett, Daniel Shurley,[75] James Hatfield, Adam Thoroughgood, John Robinson, John Hill, John Seaward, William Ramshaw, Samuel Weaver, John Upton, John Watson, Thomas Crompe and John Russell.[4-50]

Of these persons several acquired a fair degree of wealth and became of importance in the early life of the colony. It is interesting to note also, that some were men of good condition in England, the case of Adam Thoroughgood, whose brother Sir John Thoroughgood was at one time secretary to the Earl of Pembroke, is notable in this respect. John Hill, before coming to Virginia, had been a book binder in Oxford university, and his father had been a fletcher.[4-51] The patents of Thomas Crompe and John Russell state that fifty acres was due in each case for the "personal adventure" of the patentee, but since they are distinctly listed as servants in 1624 it seems probable that subsequently each made a visit to England and put in claims for the headright for the return voyage.[4-52]

Thus it is evident that a large proportion of the landholders during and prior to 1635 had come to the colony under terms of indenture, either under the Company or with private individuals. Perhaps it would not be unfair to estimate this proportion at from thirty to forty per cent, but it must be distinctly understood that the matter cannot be determined with any degree of accuracy or finality. Some years later Governor Berkeley in an address before the Assembly, stated that hundreds of examples testified to the fact that no man in Virginia was denied the opportunity to rise and to acquire both property and honor.[4-53] Careful research tends to corroborate this assertion but it does not and cannot show whether the bulk of the early planters came to the colony as freemen or as indentured servants.

During the years from 1635 to 1660 the process of building up a class of small farmers in large part from freedmen continued unabated. But the difficulties of the investigator in[76] studying this period are also very great. Yet it is possible, by examining the names that appear in the land patents and wills, and comparing them with the list of headrights, to arrive at fairly satisfactory results. We find that of the 131 persons listed in the York county wills from 1646 to 1659 no less than twenty-five appear as headrights for others. Of these the major part became landowners, some of them men of influence in Virginia.[4-54] The Rappahannock wills for the years from 1656 to 1664 show a like result. Thirty-nine persons appear in the records, of whom seven came in as headrights.[4-55]

There is always the possibility of error in identifying these persons for the recurrence of such names as Smith, Jones, Turner, Davis, Hall, the monotonous repetition of a few common given names, and the universal omission of middle names add greatly to our difficulties. Moreover, mistakes are apt to occur because of the transfer of headrights by sale. The free immigrant to whom was due fifty acres for his "personal adventure" might not care to settle on the frontier where alone unpatented land could usually be found. At times he sold his right and purchased a plantation in some one of the older and more advanced counties. It is not conclusively proved, then, that a certain person came as a servant merely because he is listed as a headright. On the other hand, the fact that it was the custom to set forth such transfers clearly in the patent itself, justifies the conclusion that in the cases where no statement of the kind is made, the headright for which the land was granted usually came in under terms of indenture.

In Volume III of the land patents are listed in the years from 1635 to 1653 patents to fifty-seven persons in James City county.[4-56] Of these no less than thirty-one are found also as headrights belonging to others, although a duplication of names in several cases makes identification uncertain. One[77] person only claimed the fifty acres for having paid his own passage to Virginia. When all possible allowance is made for transfers of rights it is obvious that at this time freedmen were still entering freely into the class of landowners.

An examination of the James City county patents in Volume IV, covering the years from 1653 to 1663, leads to similar results, for of the eighty-five names which appear there, forty-five are listed as headrights belonging to others. And although the tracts granted these men were usually small in size, in certain cases they were far in excess of the average plantation. Thus Edward Cole, who appears as a headright in 1642, patented 900 acres in 1655;[4-57] Thomas Warburton patented 1,664 acres;[4-58] George Gilbert 1,000 acres; Francis Burwell 1,000 and John Underwood 2,000 acres.[4-59] The number of years which elapsed between the listing of the headrights and the granting of the patents varied from two to twenty-eight. The average for the thirty-five cases in which the dates are given is twelve years. As the claims for headrights were often made long after the actual arrival of the servant, it may be assumed that the average was even greater than this. Once more, however, it must be remembered that these lists do not record personal transfers of land, while it is quite certain that many freedmen, instead of patenting unoccupied tracts, secured their little farms by purchase. Some probably became proprietors in the very first year of their freedom and set to work with hoe and plow to wrest their living from the soil.

In the patent rolls the bulk of the headrights are alluded to simply as "persons," leaving it undecided whether those included in the various lists are freemen or servants. But occasionally the newcomers are specifically described as "servants," in which case, of course, there can be no doubt whatever as to their status. By selecting at random a number of names from those so termed, avoiding for convenience sake[78] all Smiths, Joneses and others the frequent recurrence of whose names would make identification difficult, it is possible to arrive at definite conclusions by following, as best we can, their careers in after life. With this in view we have made up the following list of servants: Henry Arnetrading, George Archer, Silvester Atkins, Nicholas Atwell, Edward Ames, John Aram, Robert Arnall, Peter Asheley, William Baldwin, Edward Burt, Francis Baile, John Bauchees, John Bishop, John Blackstone, Anthony Box, Michael Brichley, Peter Buck, William Burcher, John Causey, Robert Chesheire, Thomas Chilcott, Thomas Clayton, Annanias Coplestone, James Courtney, Thomas Cropp, Thomas Connagrave, John Day, John Dodman, Jonathan Ellison, Edward Eastwood, James Fletcher, Thomas Foanes, John Fouke, Francis Francklin, Armstrong Foster, Robert Fossett, John Farr, Robert Garsell, George Gilbert, Henry Giles, Hector Godbear, Francis Gray, Reginald Griffin, Thomas Halcock, Thomas Hand, Henry Hartwell, Hugh Hayes, John Hedler, Richard Huett, John Hodgbins, John Holdin, William Hankinson, John Hether, Lazarus Manning, Thomas Pattison, John Pullapin, Sampson Robins, George Walton, Francis Withers, Robert Webstie and Thomas Warden. A search through the patent rolls, wills, tithable lists and other data found in the records of the period, has led to the more or less positive identification of fifteen of these persons.

John Bishop, who was transported by Thomas Gray, became a man of influence and means. He represented Charles City county in the House of Burgesses in the sessions of 1644, 1652 and 1653, and was variously known as Captain Bishop or Mr. Bishop.[4-60] Although he became a landowner so early as 1638,[4-61] his family arrived from England only in 1651. Francis Gray, brought to Virginia at the age of fifteen by Joseph Johnson, also became prominent, securing a[79] seat in the Assembly and acquiring a fair estate. In 1653 he took up 750 acres in Charles City county, while ten years later he is credited with 374 acres more in Westmoreland.[4-62] His will was recorded in 1667.[4-63]

George Archer became an extensive landowner, patenting 250 acres in 1663, 550 acres in 1665, 784 acres in 1671 and 1,395 acres in 1673.[4-64] In 1691 he received, in conjunction with others, title to a tract of 2,827 acres in Henrico.[4-65] John Holding patented in York county 850 acres in 1649 and 389 acres in 1653.[4-66] William Baldwin, who came in the Plaine Joan when he was twenty-four years of age, received three grants of land, one for 600 acres in York county, one for 67 acres in Isle of Wight, and one, in conjunction with Richard Lawrence, for 300 in Rappahannock.[4-67]

Thomas Pattison, transported by Francis Epes in 1635, took up in Lancaster two tracts, one for 200 acres and one for 400.[4-68] He also became part owner of two more tracts, one for 220 acres and the other for 504.[4-69] John Dodman secured a patent for 350 acres in Westmoreland in the year 1662.[4-70] Thomas Warden is mentioned as a landowner in James City county in 1643.[4-71] George Gilbert, transported in 1635 by Joseph Johnson, took up fifty acres in James City county in 1643.[4-72] In 1663, in partnership with Richard Scruely, he patented 1,000 acres in the same county north of the Chickahominy river.[4-73] John Blackstone acquired two tracts, one for 100 acres and the other for 151 acres,[4-74] while William Burcher received a grant for 300 acres.[4-75]

Several of these men who came as servants to the Eastern Shore are found in succeeding years among the yeomanry of Accomac and Northampton. Henry Arnetrading, Armstrong Foster, William Burcher and Sampson Robins were signers of the Northampton submission to the Commonwealth in 1652.[4-76] Henry Arnetrading was the owner of 300 acres of land.[4-77][80] Armstrong Foster was the official tobacco viewer for Hungers, a position entailing no little responsibility.[4-78] Sampson Robins received a patent for a tract of land in Northampton in 1655.[4-79] Thomas Clayton is listed among the Northampton tithables of 1666.[4-80]

In the case of John Day some uncertainty arises. Apparently there were two men of this name in the colony, one transported by John Slaughter, and the other not only paying for his own passage, but for that of a servant as well.[4-81] A John Day later secured 400 acres in Gloucester county,[4-82] but whether it was the one who had come as a servant or the one who had entered the colony as a freeman, apparently there is no way of ascertaining.

All in all the story of these men tends to confirm the conclusions hitherto arrived at. It must be remembered that the mortality among the servants in the tobacco fields in the early days of the colony was extremely heavy. It is not improbable that of our sixty-one servants, twenty or more succumbed before the completion of their first year. That of the remaining forty-one, fourteen or fifteen established themselves as solid farmers, while several became men of influence in the colony, is a striking proof that at this period many freedmen had the opportunity to advance. Taking it for granted that the records of some of the sixty-one have been lost, or that our research has failed to reveal them, we once more come to the conclusion that a full thirty or forty per cent of the landowners of the period from 1635 to 1666 came to the colony under terms of indenture.

On the other hand, it is equally positive that the class of poor planters was recruited in part from free immigrants, men who paid their own passage across the ocean and at once established themselves as freeholders. Of this too, the records furnish ample testimony. Thus in 1636 we find that[81] Richard Young was granted 100 acres in Warwick "due him for his personal adventure and for the transportation of his wife Dorothy Young."[4-83] A year later Roger Symonds received 100 acres in Charles City "due him for the transportation of his wife, Alice, and one servant, Richard Key."[4-84] Similarly in May 1636, Thomas Wray was allowed 50 acres for his "personal adventure." Such cases could be multiplied indefinitely.[4-85]

A careful analysis of the patent rolls from 1623 to July 14, 1637, published in the Virginia Magazine of History and Biography for April, 1901, shows conclusively that the lists contain the names of many persons who at no time were under terms of indenture. Of the 2,675 names appearing in the records, the editor states that 336 are positively known to have come over as freemen, many of them being heads of families. "There are 245 persons whose names do not occur as headrights and yet of whom it is not positively shown that they were freemen, though the probability seems to be that by far the greater number were. And there were 2,094 persons whose transportation charges were paid by others. This last number includes some negroes, all those specifically termed 'servants' and all others.... It would probably be a fair estimate to say that of the names represented in the patents cited, there were about 675 free men, women and children who came to Virginia and about 2000 servants and slaves."[4-86] Similarly in the issue of the magazine for January, 1902, the editor says that "for some years, about this period, it is probable (from the best calculations which can be made) that seventy-five per cent of the emigrants to Virginia were indentured servants."[4-87]

There seems to be no reason to doubt the accuracy of these conclusions. Certainly any study of immigration to Virginia in the Seventeenth century is woefully incomplete if it fails to take into consideration the very considerable proportion of[82] free settlers. On the other hand, it is probable that a similar study of the lists for a later date would show a smaller percentage of freemen. However this may be, it is evident that by far the larger part of the newcomers at all periods must have been indentured servants intended for service in the tobacco fields. In 1638 Richard Kemp wrote Secretary Windebanke that "of hundreds which are yearly transported, scarce any but are brought in as merchandise to make sale of."[4-88]

Yet it must not be forgotten that any immigration of poor freemen, however small, would have a very marked influence upon the formation of the small farmer class. Of the host of servants a certain proportion only, a proportion probably less than fifty per cent, could hope even in the most favorable times to become freeholders. If they survived the hardships and dangers of the service with their masters, it still remained for them to acquire property and win for themselves a place in the life of the colony. And to accomplish this they must display determination, intelligence, industry and thrift, qualities by no means universal among the classes in England from which the servants were chiefly drawn. But for the free immigrant there need be no period of probation. He might at once purchase his farm, erect his home, secure all necessary tools and put out his crop of tobacco. And whereas the servant usually found it possible to maintain a family only after many years of hard work, perhaps not at all, the free settler often married before leaving England and brought his wife and children with him.

In conclusion it may be said that in the first fifty years of the colony's existence conditions were very favorable for the graduation of the servant into the class of small freeholders, that the records amply prove that many succeeded in doing so, but that at this period a fair proportion of free immigrants also came to the colony. Before the expiration of the Commonwealth[83] period was formed from these two sources, perhaps in not unequal proportions, a vigorous, intelligent, independent yeomanry, comprising fully 90 percent of all the landowners.


[84]

CHAPTER V

The Restoration Period

The people of Virginia hailed the Restoration with unaffected joy. Not only did they anticipate that the termination of the long period of civil war and unrest in England would react favorably upon their own prosperity, but they felt that Sir William Berkeley's well known loyalty and his action in proclaiming Charles II immediately after the execution of his father, might assure them the King's especial favor now that he at last had come into undisputed possession of his throne. They were doomed to bitter disappointment, however, for the Restoration brought them only hardship and suffering, discontent and rebellion.

No sooner had the royal Government been safely installed than it set to work to perfect and to enforce the colonial policy which in principle had been accepted from the first. The ties which united the colonies with the mother country were strengthened, those which gave them a common interest with foreign nations in so far as possible were snapped. The British empire was to become a unit, closely knit by economic bonds and presenting to all other nations a hostile front. With this in view Parliament passed a series of Navigation Acts, under which the trade of the colonies was regulated for many years to come.

It is necessary for us to enquire, therefore, into the effects of these laws upon the tobacco trade, for tobacco, as we have seen, was the key to the prosperity of the colony, and favorable economic conditions alone could make it possible for the newcomer to establish himself as a member of the Virginia[85] yeomanry. If the strict enforcement of the Navigation Acts should bring low prices for tobacco and wipe out the margin of profit for the man who tilled the soil with his own hands, not only would the small planter class not expand, but might actually decline in numbers.

There were three main features of the colonial legislation of Parliament during this period, all of them interrelated and all tending toward the one great object of keeping the English plantations for the English. It was provided that the chief colonial products such as tobacco and sugar should be sent only to England or to English colonies, that the colonies should with few exceptions import goods only from British territory, that all products taken to or from any colony should be conveyed only in English vessels manned by crews composed mainly of Englishmen.

In committing itself to this policy the royal Government felt that the plantations would play a useful and necessary part in the great system which was planned, and in so doing would find prosperity. It had been the hope of the English people that their colonies would produce the articles which were so badly needed by the mother country to revive her waning industry and permit a greater measure of economic independence. Although more than half a century had passed since the first foothold had been gained upon the American continent, this expectation was as far from realization as ever. The colonies, from Massachusetts to Barbados were producing, not the articles which England especially needed, but those for which they had the greatest natural aptitude, especially tobacco and sugar. And these staples they sent, not to England alone, but to various foreign countries as well.

In short the vision of a closely knit, self-sustaining empire, the vision which had been in men's minds for many decades before the founding of Jamestown, seemed to have proved[86] delusive. The colonies were developing interests and commercial connections hostile to those of the mother country, were nourishing the manufactures and shipping of foreign nations almost as much as those of England. And this the Government at London would not tolerate. The colonial trade with strangers must come to an end. If Virginia and Maryland produced more tobacco than the English market could absorb, they could find ready relief by turning their energies into other channels. Let them furnish the old country with pig iron or potash or silk or ship-stores and they would find ready and eager purchasers. So reasoned the English, and as their views were backed by the mandates of Crown and Parliament, the colonists were forced to submit. If they could fit themselves into the system prescribed for them, all would be well and good; if they found this impossible, they would have to suffer without hope of redress.

And suffer Virginia did for a full quarter of a century. The tobacco of the Chesapeake bay colonies had long since reached the point where it required a world market. If confined to England alone, only a fraction of the output could be consumed and disaster was certain. It was well enough for the Government to restrict the importation of Spanish leaf and to prohibit the planting of tobacco in England, these regulations could do no more than give the colonists undisputed possession of the home market, and the home market was not enough. This point seems to have been ignored by those writers who have contended that the strict enforcement of the British colonial system in itself entailed no hardship upon the tobacco colonies.

"It is obvious that any criticism of England's regulation of the colonial tobacco trade, which is based on a laissez-faire social philosophy," says George Lewis Beer, in The Old Colonial System, "is equally applicable to the arrangement by[87] means of which the tobacco planter secured exclusive privileges in the home market."[5-1] Yet it is certain that the tobacco growers of England could never have competed with Maryland and Virginia had there been free trade. The prohibition of planting in the old country was necessary only because of the tariff, varying from 200 per cent in 1660 to 600 per cent in 1705, upon the colonial product. And though the exclusion of Spanish tobacco was a more real benefit, for the Spaniard produced varieties unknown in Virginia, there is exaggeration here also. This is clearly shown by the fact that at the end of the Seventeenth century England was sending millions of pounds of her colonial tobacco to Spain itself.[5-2] The leaf was brought from Virginia and Maryland, forced to pay a duty of about fifty per cent, and re-exported to the Spanish ports, where it found a ready sale. Had there been free exchange of commodities, the English colonies would have sold to Spain more tobacco than the Spanish colonies to England.

In truth the loss of the foreign market was a terrible disaster. In framing the Navigation Acts it was not the intention of the Government to stop entirely the flow of tobacco to the continent of Europe, but to divert it from the old channels and make it pass through England. It was therefore provided that in case the leaf was shipped out again to foreign ports, all the duties, except one half of the Old Subsidy, should be withdrawn.[5-7] The remaining half penny, however, amounted to forty or fifty per cent of the original cost of the goods, and proved at first an almost insuperable barrier to the European trade. Moreover, the shortage of ships which resulted from the exclusion of the Dutch merchants, the expense of putting in at the English ports, the long and troublesome procedure of reshipping, all tended to discourage the merchants and hamper re-exportation.

We may take for granted also that the resentment of Holland[88] at the Navigation Acts, which struck a telling blow at her maritime prestige, played an important part in blocking foreign trade. The Dutch had been the chief European distributors of the Virginia and Maryland tobacco, and if they refused to take it, now that it could be secured only in England, it would pile up uselessly in the London warehouses. They understood well enough that the half penny a pound duty was a tribute levied upon them by their most dangerous rival. It is not surprising that instead of bowing to the new restrictions, they sought to free their trade entirely from dependence on British tobacco, by fostering the cultivation of the plant in their own country.

The colonists found an able defender in the merchant John Bland. In a Remonstrance addressed to the King this man set forth with remarkable clearness the evils which would result from the Navigation Acts, and pleaded for their repeal. The Hollander was already beginning to plant tobacco, he said, and would soon be able to supply all his needs at home. "Will he, after accustomed to the tobacco of his own growth," he asked, "ever regard that which is in Virginia? Will he ever afterwards be induced to fetch it thence, when he finds his profit higher at home? Will he ever buy that of us, when by passing so many hands, and so much charge contracted thereon, is made so dear, that he can have it cheaper in his own territories? (Surely no.) Therefore it clearly appears, that being so, of necessity we must lose that Trade and Commerce."

"If the Hollanders must not trade to Virginia, how shall the Planters dispose of their Tobacco? The English will not buy it, for what the Hollander carried thence was a sort of tobacco not desired by any other people, nor used by us in England but merely to transport for Holland. Will it not then perish on the Planters hands?... Can it be believed that[89] from England more ships will be sent than are able to bring thence what tobacco England will spent? If they do bring more, must they not lose thereby both stock and Block, principle and charges? The tobacco will not vend in England, the Hollanders will not fetch it from England; what must become thereof?... Is not this a destruction to the commerce? For if men lose their Estates, certainly trade cannot be encreased."[5-8]

The enforcement of the trade laws was indirectly the cause of still another misfortune to the colonies, for the two wars with Holland which grew out of it reacted disastrously upon their trade. In fact, on each occasion the small stream of tobacco which had trickled over the dam of restrictions into foreign countries was for a time almost entirely cut off. Not only did the tobacco exports to Holland itself come to an end, but the Dutch war vessels played havoc with the trade between England and other countries and even between England and her colonies.

The loss of their foreign exports was calamitous to the planters. Had the demand for tobacco been more elastic, the consequences might not have been so fatal, for declining prices would have stimulated consumption and made it possible for England to absorb most of the output. But the duty kept up the price and the result was a ruinous glut in the English market. Tobacco sufficient for a continent poured into the kingdom, where since the normal outlet was blocked by the half penny a pound on re-exported leaf, it piled up uselessly.

The effect upon prices was immediate. The planters were forced to take for their crops half of what they had formerly received and had reason for rejoicing if they could dispose of it at all. In 1662 Governor Berkeley and other leading citizens stated that the price of tobacco had fallen so low that it would not "bear the charge of freight and customs, answer the adventure, give encouragement to the traders and subsistence[90] to the inhabitants."[5-9] In 1666 Secretary Thomas Ludwell told Lord Arlington that tobacco was "worth nothing."[5-10] Later in the same year the planters complained that the price was so low that they were not able to live by it.[5-11] "For the merchants, knowing both our necessities and the unconsumable quantities of tobacco we had by us," they said, "gave us not the twentieth part of what they sold it for in England."[5-12] Tobacco had so glutted the markets, it was declared, and brought the planter so small a return, that he could "live but poorly upon it." In fact, the merchants in 1666 had left the greater part of the two preceding crops upon their hands.[5-13]

"Twelve hundred pounds of tobacco is the medium of men's crops," wrote Secretary Ludwell to Lord John Berkeley in 1667, "and half a penny per pound is certainly the full medium of the price given for it, which is fifty shillings out of which when the taxes ... shall be deducted, is very little to a poor man who hath perhaps a wife and children to cloath and other necessities to buy. Truly so much too little that I can attribute it to nothing but the great mercy of God ... that keeps them from mutiny and confusion."[5-14] The following year he wrote in similar vein. The market was glutted; a third of the planters' tobacco was left on their hands; the rest sold for nothing.[5-15]

The Governor and Council declared that the merchant "allows not much above a farthing a pound for that which the planter brings to his door. And if there shall be any amongst us who shall be able to ship his tobacco on his own account, it will be at such a rate as the tobacco will never repay him, since they are inforced to pay from £12 to £17 per ton freight, which usually was but at seven pounds."[5-16] "A large part of the people are so desperately poor," wrote Berkeley in 1673, "that they may reasonably be expected upon any small advantage[91] of the enemy to revolt to them in hopes of bettering their condition by sharing the plunder of the colony with them."[5-17] That matters had not changed in 1681 is attested by the statement of the Council that the impossibility of disposing of their tobacco without a heavy loss overwhelmed both Virginia and Maryland, and brought upon them a "vast poverty and infinite necessity."[5-18] "The low price of tobacco staggers the imagination," Lord Culpeper wrote to Secretary Coventry, "and the continuance of it will be the speedy and fatal ruin of this noble Colony."[5-19]

These distressing conditions bore with telling weight upon the small planters. The margin of profit which formerly had made it possible for the freedman to advance rapidly was now wiped out entirely and the poor man found it impossible to keep out of debt. In 1668 Secretary Ludwell declared that no one could longer hope to better himself by planting tobacco.[5-20] Eight years later Nathaniel Bacon, in justifying his rebellion declared that the small farmers were deeply in debt and that it was "not in the power of labor or industry" to extricate them.[5-21] "The poverty of Virginia is such," said a certain John Good in 1676, "that the major part of the inhabitants can scarce supply their wants from hand to mouth, and many there are besides can hardly shift without supply one year."[5-22] In 1673 the Governor and Council reported that of the planters, "at least one third are single persons (whose labor will hardly maintain them) or men much in debt," who might reasonably be expected to revolt to the Dutch upon any small advantage gained by them.[5-23] In 1680 they again reported that "the indigency of the Inhabitants is such that they are in noe manner capacitated to support themselves."[5-24] Three years later they wrote that "the people of Virginia are generally, some few excepted, extremely poor, not being able to provide against the pressing necessities of their families."[5-25]

[92]

Despite this repeated and explicit testimony of the misery and poverty of the colony during this period, which resulted from the stagnation of the tobacco market after the passage of the Navigation Acts, the surprising statement is made by Mr. George Lewis Beer, in The Old Colonial System, that England's trade restrictions had nothing to do with Bacon's Rebellion. "It has been at various times contended," he says, "that the uprising was, in part at least, one against the laws of trade and navigation. If there had existed in Virginia any widespread and well defined feeling of antagonism to these laws, it would unquestionably have found expression in the county grievances. Most of these reports were drawn up in a number of articles, and in all there were nearly two hundred of such separate subdivisions, yet only three of this number refer in any way to these statutes. There is no valid reason for assuming that the commercial system played any part whatsoever, or was in any degree, an issue, in the upheaval of 1676."[5-26]

If by this statement it is meant that Bacon and his men did not rebel in order to force the repeal of the Navigation Acts, or even that they did not have the acts in mind at the time, there are many students of Virginia history who will agree with it. But if Mr. Beer means that these laws, with their baleful effect upon the prosperity of Virginia, did not produce the conditions fundamental to the rising, he is certainly wrong. The evidence is overwhelming.

Surely no one will deny that misery, poverty and nakedness are breeders of sedition. Had it not been for the Navigation Acts there would not have been so many desperate persons in Virginia ready at any excuse to fly in the face of the Government. Bacon's men were just the type of miserably poor freemen that Berkeley several years before had feared would rebel. He himself, in his proclamation of Feb. 10, 1677, spoke of[93] them as "men of mean and desperate fortunes."[5-27] William Sherwood called the rebels rude and indigent persons, alluding to them as "tag, rag and bobtayle."[5-28] Over and over again they are described as the multitude, the rabble, the skum.

Exception must be taken also to the statement that had there existed in Virginia any well-defined feeling of antagonism to the Navigation Acts it would have found expression in the county grievances. It should be remembered that these reports had been called for by the commissioners sent over by Charles II to investigate the troubles. The men who drew them up occupied the position of defeated rebels, and the grievances were primarily a list of excuses for their treason. They all stood trembling for their property, if they had any, and for their miserable lives. The memory of the fate of Drummond and Bland and Arnold and many others of their fellow rebels was fresh in their minds. It is not reasonable to suppose that they would tell the King that they had risen in arms against his authority in order to secure the overthrow of laws which his Majesty considered of such vital importance, laws which concerned intimately the royal revenue. Such a declaration would not have seconded successfully their plea for mercy. This is made amply clear by the reception accorded one of the few complaints which did actually touch the Navigation Acts. The commissioners report it to the King as "an extravagant request for liberty to transport their tobacco to any of his Majesty's plantations without paying the imposts, payable by act of Parliament, etc. This head is wholly mutinous—to desire a thing contrary to his Majesty's royal pleasure and benefit and also against an act of Parliament."[5-29]

Despite the obviously ruinous effects of the Navigation Acts upon Virginia, Mr. Beer makes the assertion that there was no very serious and general opposition to them in Virginia. "Apart from the criticisms of Bland and Berkeley," he says,[94] "there was virtually no complaint against the system of trade enjoined by the Navigation Acts. While the Barbados Assembly and that colony's governors were vociferous in their protests, the Virginia legislature remained strangely mute."[5-30]

This silence on the part of the Virginia Assembly can by no means be interpreted as an indication that the people of the colony felt the Navigation Acts to be equitable and not injurious to their interests. It meant only that no Assembly under Sir William Berkeley would dare protest against an act which had received the royal sanction. That would have seemed the veriest treason to the fiery old loyalist. And the Assembly was entirely under Sir William's control. The members of both Houses were his creatures and his henchmen. Over and over again it is testified that the Assembly did nothing more than register his will.[5-31] If then it did not protest, it was because Sir William did not wish it to protest.

But this does not prove that the planters were not angered and alarmed at the stringent acts. That they considered them baleful is amply proved by their continuous complaints of the economic ruin which had overtaken the colony. The method they chose of combatting the trade laws, a method apt to be far more effective than the angry protests of the Barbados Assembly, was to send the Governor to England to use his influence at Court to have the acts modified or repealed. And Berkeley did what he could. While in England he wrote a paper called A Discourse and View of Virginia, which he hoped would induce the Government to change its policy in regard to the colonies. "Wee cannot but resent," he said, "that 40,000 people should be impoverished to enrich little more than 40 merchants, who being the whole buyers of our tobacco, give us what they please for it. And after it is here sell as they please, and indeed have 40,000 servants in us at cheaper rates, than other men have slaves, for they find them[95] meat and drink and clothes. We furnish ourselves and their seamen with meat and drink, and all our sweat and labor as they order us, will hardly procure us coarse clothes to keep us from the extremities of heat and cold."[5-32] That Sir William was but the mouthpiece of the colony in this protest there can be no doubt.

But his pleadings were in vain. England would not change the laws which were the expression of her settled colonial policy. The planters must adjust themselves to changed conditions no matter how bitter was the experience. Sir William was told to go home to report to the Virginians that they need not kick against the pricks, but that England would be most pleased could they turn from the all-absorbing culture of tobacco to the production of the raw materials she so greatly desired. And Berkeley did return determined to exert every effort to lead the colonists into new prosperity by inducing them to devote a part of their energies to basic commodities. In fact he promised that in seven years he would flood the British market with new Virginia goods.[5-33]

Although he set to work with his accustomed vigor to make good this boast, he met with but scant success. Lack of efficient and skilled labor, high wages, and not very favorable natural conditions, made it impossible for him to compete with the long-established industries of Europe. After a few years all attempts to make silk and potash and naval stores were abandoned, and the planters continued to put their trust in tobacco.

That Berkeley was never persuaded that the Navigation Acts were just or beneficial is shown by his answer to the query of the Lords of Trade in 1671, when they asked him what impediments there were to the colony's trade. "Mighty and destructive," he replied, "by that severe act of Parliament which excludes us from having any commerce with any nation[96] in Europe but our own, so that we cannot add to our plantation any commodity that grows out of it ... for it is not lawful for us to carry a pipe-staff or a bushel of corn to any place in Europe out of the King's dominions. If this were for his Majesty's service or the good of his subjects we should not repine, whatever our sufferings are for it. But on my soul it is the contrary of both."[5-35]

Nor is this the only direct testimony that the colonists were filled with bitterness against the Navigation Acts. In 1673, during the war with Holland, Sir John Knight declared that "the planters there do generally desire a trade with the Dutch and all other nations, and speak openly there that they are in the nature of slaves, so that the hearts of the greatest part of them are taken away from his Majesty and consequently his Majesty's best, greatest and richest plantation is in danger, with the planters' consent, to fall into the enemy's hands, if not timely prevented."[5-36] This is corroborated by the Council itself, in an official letter to the King. "For in this very conjuncture had the people had a distasteful Governor," they wrote, "they would have hazarded the loss of this Country, and the rather because they doe believe their Condicon would not be soe bad under the Dutch in Point of Traffique as it is under the Merchants who now use them hardly, even to extremity."[5-37]

It is evident, then, that throughout the entire reign of Charles II the unhappy effects of the trade restrictions made of Virginia, which formerly had been the land of opportunity for the poor man, a place of suffering, poverty and discontent. The indentured servant who came over after 1660 found conditions in the colony hardly more favorable for his advancement than in England. The price of tobacco was now so low that it was not possible for a man, by his unassisted efforts, to make a profit by its cultivation. If Thomas Ludewell is correct in estimating the return from the average crop at fifty[97] shillings, the lot of the poor man must have been hard indeed. Hungry he need not be, for food continued to be abundant and easy to obtain, but of all that the merchants gave him in return for his tobacco—clothing, farm implements, household furnishings—he had to content himself with the scantiest supply. And only too often his pressing needs brought him into hopeless debt. As for imitating his predecessors of the earlier period in saving money, purchasing land and servants and becoming a substantial citizen, the task was well nigh impossible of accomplishment.

It would be expected, then, that even the most exhaustive investigation could reveal but a few indentured servants, coming over after 1660, who succeeded in establishing themselves in the Virginia yeomanry. And such, indeed, is the case. Fortunately we have at hand for the period in question the means of determining this matter with an exactness impossible for the first half of the century. Nicholson's rent roll of 1704 supplies a complete list, with the exception of those in the Northern Neck, of every landowner in Virginia. At the same time we have in the Land Office at Richmond, the names of many thousands of persons listed as headrights, constituting almost all the immigrants who came in during the years from 1666 to the end of the century. Thus by comparing the two lists and trying to identify on the rent roll the names found in the patents, it is possible to fix the proportion of servants who won for themselves at this time places among the landowning class.

Selecting the year 1672 as typical of the Restoration period, we find that an examination of 672 of the names which are listed as headrights, eleven only can be identified with any degree of certainty upon the rent roll. Of 1116 names examined in the years from 1671 to 1674 inclusive, only 26 are positively those of persons listed as landowners in 1704. After making[98] due allowance for the fact that uncertainty exists in a number of other cases, and that some who prospered must have died in the intervening years, it is safe to say that not more than five or six per cent of the indentured servants of this period succeeded in establishing themselves as independent planters.

These conclusions are borne out by the slowness with which the population increased during the years following the passage of the Navigation Acts. In the Commonwealth period the colony had advanced by leaps and bounds, and the inhabitants, estimated at 15,000 in 1649,[5-38] were placed by Berkeley thirteen years later at 40,000.[5-39] Under the system which existed during these years, when the colonists enjoyed a comparatively free trade, the population had tripled. But after 1660, while the Virginia tobacco was dumped upon the restricted English market and prices fell lower and lower, no such rapid growth is noted. In 1671, nine years after his first estimate, Governor Berkeley still placed the population at 40,000.[5-40] And even if we accept the statement of the Virginia agents sent to England to secure a charter for the colony that in 1675 the number of inhabitants was 50,000, it is evident that some pernicious influence was at work to retard the development of England's most important American province.[5-41] A drop in the rate of increase from 200 per cent during the thirteen years prior to 1662, to 25 per cent in the thirteen years following, is a clear index to the startling change brought about in the colony by the British trade regulations.

These figures are the more significant in that there was no appreciable slackening of the stream of servants. It is probable that in the period from 1662 to 1675, which marked this estimated increase of 10,000 persons, fully 20,000 immigrants had come to the colony.[5-42] The patent rolls for 1674 alone give the names of 1931 headrights, and this year is by no means exceptional. No wonder Edward Randolph was surprised[99] at the smallness of the population and wrote to the Board of Trade that it should be investigated why Virginia had not grown more, "considering what vast numbers of servants and others had been transported thither."[5-43]

But Randolph failed to realize that it is not the volume of immigration but the number of people a country will support which in the end determines the size of the population. It was not enough to pour into the colony tens of thousands of poor settlers; opportunity had also to be afforded them for earning an adequate living. And this opportunity, because of the enforcement of the Navigation Acts and the consequent ruin of trade, they did not have in Virginia. Throughout the Restoration period not more than forty or fifty thousand people could exist upon the returns from the tobacco crop, and beyond that the population could hardly rise. If more poured in, they must of necessity live in misery and rags, or migrate to other colonies where more favorable conditions existed.

We are not at present concerned with what become of this surplus population, but only with the fact that the Navigation Acts brought to a dead halt the process of moulding freedmen and other poor settlers into a prosperous yeomanry. By the year 1660 this class seems to have reached its highest development, and had a rent roll of land owners been drawn up at that date it would doubtless have shown almost as many names as that of 1704. In fact it is fortunate that in the bitter years from 1660 to 1685 it did not succumb entirely. With the price of tobacco so low that no profit was to be derived from it, with his family in rags, the small planter might well have sold his land to his more wealthy neighbor and joined the newly freed servants in moving on to western Carolina or to the northern colonies.

In fact it is an indication of the solid character of the Virginia[100] yeomanry that it survived to enter the Eighteenth century, that under Andros and Nicholson as well as under Sir William Berkeley it was the soundest element in the life of the colony. Had it not been for the crowning misfortune of the introduction of great swarms of negro slaves, sooner or later it would have come once more into its own, would have carved out for itself a new prosperity, would have filled Virginia from the Atlantic to the Alleghanies.


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CHAPTER VI

The Yeoman in Virginia History

Perhaps it would have been impossible for the Virginia yeoman to survive the dark days of the Restoration period had it not been for the fact that in the matter of his food supply he was independent of England and her vexatious trade restrictions. He might be in rags, but there was no reason why he should ever feel the pangs of hunger. Seldom in any climate, in any age has food existed in such extraordinary variety and in such lavish abundance.

Almost every planter, even the poorest, was possessed of cattle. The Perfect Discription states that in 1649 there were in the colony "of Kine, Oxen, Bulls, Calves, twenty thousand, large and good."[6-1] Fifteen years later the number had increased to 100,000.[6-2] Many a little farmer, too poor to afford the help of a servant or a slave, had cattle more than sufficient for his every need. John Splitimber, a planter of meagre means, died in 1677 owning eight cows and one bull.[6-3] John Gray, whose entire personal estate was valued only at 9,340 pounds of tobacco, possessed at his death six cows, six calves, two steers and one heifer.[6-4] The inventory of the goods of Richard Avery, another poor planter, shows three steers, one heifer, three small cattle and one calf.[6-5] The yeoman not only secured from these animals a goodly supply of beef, but milk in abundance from which he made butter and cheese. The steers he used as beasts of burden.

The meat which most frequently appeared upon the table of the poor man was that of swine. The planter marked his hogs and turned them loose in the woods to feed upon roots[102] and acorns. On the other hand, sheep did not multiply in the colony, for the woods were not suited for their maintenance, and those areas which had been cleared of trees could more profitably be utilized for agriculture than for pasture lands. Mutton was a rare delicacy even with the well-to-do.[6-6]

Poultry were exceedingly numerous. At the time of the Company it was stated that the planter who failed to breed one hundred a year was considered a poor manager. The Perfect Discription says that the poultry—"Hens, Turkies, Ducks, Geece"—were without number.[6-7] Moreover, the wild fowls of the inland waterways were so numerous that even the least skilful of huntsmen could readily bring down enough for the needs of his family, and the mallard, the goose, the canvasback appeared regularly in season upon every table.[6-8]

The planter always devoted a part of his land to the production of the grain which was needed for his personal requirements. "They yearly plow and sow many hundred acres of Wheat," it was said, "as good and faire as any in the world."[6-9] At the same time maize grew so readily and its cultivation proved so cheap, that cornbread formed a part of the diet not only of the planters themselves, but of their servants and slaves.

From his garden, an inevitable accompaniment of every plantation, the farmer secured a large variety of vegetables—potatoes, asparagus, carrots, turnips, onions, parsnips, besides such fruits as strawberries, gooseberries, raspberries; from his orchard he had apples, pears, quinces, apricots, peaches.[6-10] Honey was abundant, and there were few householders who did not have hives under the eaves of their outbuildings. One planter, a Mr. George Pelton, is said to have made a profit of £30 from his bees.[6-11] There were also many wild swarms in the woods, which yielded a delicious return to the colonial bee-hunters.[6-12]

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It is easy to understand, then, why there were no complaints of hunger even in the days when poverty was almost universal. The Virginia yeoman spread always an abundant table. "He that is lazy and will not work," said the author of New Albion, "needs not fear starving, but may live as an Indian, sometimes Oysters, Cockles, Wilkes, Clams, Scollons two moneths together; sometimes wilde Pease and Vetches, and Long Oates, sometimes Tuckaho, Cuttenoman ground, Nuts, Marhonions, sometimes small nuts, Filbirds, Wallnuts, Pokeberries, ten sorts of Berries, Egs of Foul, small Fish in Coves at low water will teach him to live idly." "It must needs follow then that diet cannot be scarce, since both rivers and woods afford it, and that such plenty of Cattle and Hogs are every where, which yield beef, veal, milk, butter, cheese and other made dishes, porke, bacon and pigs, and that as sweet and savoury meat as the world affords, these with the help of Orchards and Gardens, Oysters, Fish, Fowle and Venison, certainly cannot but be sufficient for a good diet and wholsom accommodation, considering how plentifully they are, and how easie with industry to be had."[6-13]

But the little planter, with the advent of the Navigation Acts, often suffered keenly from a lack of adequate clothing. Again and again the letters of the period state that the poor man was reduced to rags, that he could not protect his family from the winter's cold. There was some manufacture of cloth in the home, but the planter usually trusted to the foreign trader to bring him every article of clothing. He had neither the implements nor the skill to supply his own needs. During the Restoration period, and again at the time of the war of the Spanish Succession, when the price of tobacco fell so very low, many families succeeded in producing enough homespun to supply their most pressing needs.[6-14] But with the return of better conditions they laid aside the loom and the wheel, and resumed their purchase of English cloth.

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In normal times the poor planter was comfortably clad. Edward Williams, in Virginia Richly Valued, advised every new immigrant to bring a monmouth cap, a waistcoat, a suit of canvas, with bands, shirts, stockings and shoes.[6-15] The author of New Albion thought that each adventurer should provide himself with canvas or linen clothes, with shoes and a hat.[6-16]

The houses of the small planters were small but comfortable. "Pleasant in their building," says John Hammond, "which although for most part they are but one story besides the loft, and built of wood, yet contrived so delightfully that your ordinary houses in England are not so handsome, for usually the rooms are large, daubed and whitelimed, glazed and flowered, and if not glazed windows, shutters which are made very pritty and convenient."[6-17] The New Description of Virginia, published in 1649, says: "They have Lime in abundance for their houses, store of bricks made, and House and Chimnies built of Brick, and some of Wood high and fair, covered with Shingell for Tyle."[6-18]

In the days of the Company most of the houses seem to have been made of logs, and Butler, in his Virginia Unmasked, declared that they were the "worst in the world," and that the most wretched cottages in England were superior to them.[6-19] But the period of which Butler wrote was exceptional, and before long the growing prosperity of the colony made possible a great improvement in the dwellings of the people. The rough log cabin gave way to the little framed cottage with chimneys at each end.

A residence erected in one of the parishes of the Eastern Shore in 1635 to serve as a parsonage may be accepted as typical of the better class of houses in Virginia at this time. It was made of wood, was forty feet wide, eighteen deep and had a chimney at each end. On either side was an additional[105] apartment, one used as a study, the other as a buttery.[6-20] For the poor man this was far too pretentious, and he had to content himself with a home perhaps thirty by twenty feet, containing at times two or three apartments, at times only one.

But such as it was it gave him ample protection against the heat of summer and the cold of winter. Fuel he never lacked. When the frosts of December and January came upon him, he had only to repair to the nearest forest, axe in hand, to supply himself with wood in abundance. In this way, not only would he keep a roaring blaze in his open fireplace, but would widen the space available for the next summer's tobacco crop.

The surroundings of the planter's residence were severely plain. In the yard, which usually was uninclosed, towered a cluster of trees, a survival of the primeval forest. Nearby was the garden, with its flowers and vegetables, the dove-cote, the barn, the hen house, perhaps a milk house or even a detached kitchen. In some cases wells were sunk, but the use of natural springs was more common.[6-21]

Of the plantation itself, only a fraction was under cultivation at one time. Tobacco was exceedingly exhausting to the soil, but the cheapness of land led the planters to neglect the most ordinary precautions to preserve its fertility. They sowed year after year upon the same spot, until the diminishing yield warned them of approaching sterility, and then would desert it to clear a new field. This system made it necessary for them to provide for the future by securing farms far larger in extent than was dictated by their immediate requirements. They had to look forward to the day when their land would become useless, and if they were provident, would purchase ten times more than they could cultivate at any one time. Thomas Whitlock, in his will dated 1659, says: "I give to my son Thomas Whitlock the land I live on, 600 acres, when he is of the age 21, and during his minority to my wife. The[106] land not to be further made use of or by planting or seating than the first deep branch that is commonly rid over, that my son may have some fresh land when he attains to age."[6-22]

One may gain an idea of the condition of the very poorest class of freemen by an examination of the inventory of the estate of Walter Dorch, drawn up in 1684. This man possessed two pairs of woollen cards, and one spinning wheel, valued at 100 pounds of tobacco, one chest at eighty pounds, four old trays at twenty pounds, two runletts at forty pounds, one pail and one skillet at sixty pounds, one bowl at two pounds, one feather bed, two pillows and three old blankets at 120 pounds of tobacco, three glass bottles at twenty pounds, one couch frame at forty pounds, one pair of pot-hooks at forty, 800 tenpenny nails at forty-five, and one old table and one sifter at twenty pounds. In all the estate was valued at 587 pounds of tobacco.[6-23]

John Gray, who died in 1685, left personal property worth 9,340 pounds of tobacco, consisting in part of six cows and six calves, four yearlings, two steers, one heifer, one barrel of corn, one bull, ten hogs and one horse. He had no servants and no slaves.[6-24] In better circumstances was Richard Avery, who seems to have been a tanner by profession. The inventory of his estate, recorded in 1686, includes one horse with bridle and saddle, a cart and a yoke of steers, eight head of cattle, 25 hogs, 118 hides, various kinds of tools, lumber to the value of 400 pounds of tobacco, four pieces of earthenware, four beds with mattresses and covers, poultry to the value of 180 pounds of tobacco, some wheat in the ground and a batch of wearing linen. The entire personal estate was valued at 14,050 pounds of tobacco. It included no servants or slaves.[6-25]

John Splitimber, who is entered as a headright to Thomas Harwood in 1635, is typical of the planter who rose from small beginnings to a state of comparative prosperity. This man, at[107] his death in 1677, possessed eight cows, one bull, four yearlings, four mares, 35 hogs, two horses, two bolsters, a pillow, two blankets, a mattress, two bedsteads, two guns, fifty-six pounds of pewter, two rugs, a table, three chests, one old couch, two iron pots, two kettles, two stilyards, shovel and tongs, two smothering irons, two axes, a few carpenter's tools, a saddle and bridle, four casks, clothing to the value of 1,100 pounds of tobacco, a frying pan, a butter pat, a jar, a looking glass, two milk pans, one table cloth, nine spoons, a churn, a bible. The appraisers placed the total value at 18,277 pounds of tobacco.[6-26] The inventory records no servants or slaves, but it is probable that Splitimber at times made use of indentured labor, as in November 1648 and again in 1652, we find him taking up land due for the transportation of certain persons to the colony.[6-27]

Of similar estate was Christopher Pearson, of York county. His personal property included bedding valued at £7, linen at 18 shillings, pewter at £1.18.0, brass at six shillings, wooden ware at £4.13.6 comprising three chairs and one table, a couch, four old chests, a cask, two ten gallon rundletts, a cheese press, a box of drawers, an old table, three pails, a spinning wheel with cards, two sifting trays, a corn barrel, three bedsteads, four sives, a funnel; iron ware valued at £2.12.0, including three pots, two pot-rocks, a pestal, a frying pan, a looking glass; three cows appraised at £6.5.0, a yearling at ten shillings, a colt at two pounds sterling. The entire estate was valued at £25.19.6.[6-28]

It must not be imagined, however, that Virginia, even in the early years of its settlement, contained no men of wealth or rank. Industry and intelligence bore their inevitable fruit in the little colony, with the result that here and there certain planters acquired an enviable pre-eminence among their fellows. The New Description mentions several such cases.[108] Captain Matthews "hath a fine house," it says, "and all things answerable to it; he sowes yeerly store of Hempe and Flax, and causes it to be spun; he keeps Weavers, and hath a Tanhouse, causes Leather to be dressed, hath eight Shoemakers employed in their trade, hath forty Negro servants, brings them up to Trades in his house. He yeerly sowes abundance of Wheat, Barley, &c. The Wheat he selleth at four shillings the bushell; kills store of Beeves, and sells them to victuall the Ships when they come thither; hath abundance of Kine, a brave Dairy, Swine great store, and Poltery; he married a Daughter of Sir Thomas Hinton, and in a word, keeps a good house, lives bravely, and a true lover of Virginia; he is worthy of much honor."[6-29]

This description is interesting because it shows not only the extent of the holdings of certain planters at this early date, but that their prosperity had the same foundation as that of the more numerous class of wealthy men of the Eighteenth century. In both cases slavery and plantation manufacture would seem to have been the open sesame to success. It is notable that of the very limited number of men in Virginia prior to 1700 who stand out above their fellows in the readiness with which they acquired property, almost all gathered around them a goodly number of negroes.

Among the prominent planters of the first half of the Seventeenth century was George Menefie, famous for his orchard which abounded in apple, pear and cherry trees, and for his garden which yielded all kinds of fruits, vegetables, and flowers; Richard Bennett, a man of large property who had in one year "out of his Orchard as many Apples as he made 20 Butts of Excellent Cider"; Richard Kinsman, who for three or four years in succession secured "forty or fifty Butts of Perry made out of his Orchard, pure and good."[6-30]

In the second half of the century the class of the well-to-do,[109] although somewhat more numerous, was still restricted to a small group of prominent families, many of them connected by marriage. Among the best known men are Nathaniel Bacon, Sr., Thomas Ballard, Robert Severely, Giles Brent, Joseph Bridger, William Byrd I, John Carter, John Custis I, Dudley Digges, William Fitzhugh, Lewis Burwell, Philip Ludwell I, William Moseley, Daniel Parke, Ralph Wormeley, Benjamin Harrison, Edward Hill, Edmund Jennings and Matthew Page. But so few were their numbers that the Governors more than once complained that they could not find men for the Council of State qualified for that post by their wealth and influence.

The depository of power for the Virginia yeomanry was the House of Burgesses. This important body was elected by the votes of the freeholders, and faithfully represented their interests. Here they would bring their grievances, here express their wishes, here defend themselves against injustice, here demand the enactment of legislation favorable to their class. The hope of the people lay always in the Burgesses, Bacon the rebel tells us, "as their Trusts, and Sanctuary to fly to."[6-31] And though the commons usually elected to this body the leading men of each county, men of education and wealth if such were to be found, they held them to a strict accountability for their every action.[6-32] Many of the best known members of the Council of State served their apprenticeship in the Burgesses. But whatever the social status of the Burgess, he felt always that he was the representative of the poor planter, the defender of his interests, and seldom indeed did he betray his trust.[6-33] This no doubt was with him in part a matter of honor, but it also was the result of a consciousness that unless he obeyed the behests of his constituency he would be defeated if he came up for re-election.

The House of Burgesses, even in the days when the colony[110] was but an infant settlement stretching along the banks of the James, did not hesitate to oppose the wishes of the King himself. In 1627 Charles I sent instructions for an election of Burgesses that he might gain the assent of the planters through their representatives to an offer which he made to buy their tobacco.[6-34] Although the Assembly must have realized that its very existence might depend upon its compliance with the King's wishes, it refused to accept his proposal.[6-35] In 1634 Charles again made an offer for the tobacco, but again he encountered stubborn opposition. The Secretary of the colony forwarded a report in which he frankly told the British Government that in his opinion the matter would never go through if it depended upon the yielding of the Assembly.[6-36]

In 1635 the people again showed their independent spirit by ejecting Sir John Harvey from the Government and sending him back to England. It is true that the Council members took the lead in this bold step, but they would hardly have gone to such lengths had they not been supported by the mass of small planters.[6-37] In fact, one of the chief grievances against the Governor was his refusal to send to the King a petition of the Burgesses, which he considered offensive because they had made it "a popular business, by subscribing a multitude of hands thereto." And some days before the actual expulsion Dr. John Pott, Harvey's chief enemy, was going from plantation to plantation, inciting the people to resistance and securing their signatures to a paper demanding a redress of grievances.[6-38]

The attitude of the small planters during the English civil war and Commonwealth period is equally instructive. Certain writers have maintained that the people of Virginia were a unit for the King, that upon the execution of Charles I his son was proclaimed with the unanimous consent of the planters, that the colony became a refuge for English cavaliers,[111] that it surrendered to Parliament only when conquered by an armed expedition and that it restored Charles II as King of Virginia even before he had regained his power in England.

All of this is either misleading or entirely false. It is true that the Assembly proclaimed Charles II King in 1649 and passed laws making it high treason for any person to uphold the legality of the dethronement and execution of his father.[6-39] But this was largely the work of Sir William Berkeley and the small group of well-to-do men who were dependent upon him for their welfare. The very fact that it was felt necessary to threaten with dire punishment all who spread abroad reports "tending to a change of government," shows that there existed a fear that such a change might be effected.[6-40] How many of the small planters were at heart friendly to Parliament it is impossible to say, but the number was large enough to cause Sir William Berkeley such serious misgivings as to his own personal safety that he obtained from the Assembly a guard of ten men to protect him from assassination.[6-41]

Nor can it be said that Virginia was forced into an unwilling submission to Parliament. It is true that an expedition was sent to conquer the colony, which entered the capes, sailed up to the forts at Jamestown and there received the formal surrender of the colony.[6-42] But this surrender was forced upon the Governor as much by the wishes of the people as by the guns of the British fleet. In fact, the expedition had been sent at the request of certain representatives of the Parliamentary faction in Virginia, who made it clear to the Commonwealth leaders that the colony was by no means unanimous for the King, and that it was held to its allegiance only by the authority and firm will of the Governor.[6-43] That the British Council of State expected to receive active assistance from their friends in Virginia is evident, for they gave directions for raising troops there and for appointing officers.[6-44] And[112] there can be no doubt that the imposing military force which had been gathered to defend Jamestown was not called into action chiefly because Berkeley became convinced that it could not be relied upon to fight against the Commonwealth soldiers.

The new regime which was introduced with the articles of surrender made of Virginia virtually a little republic. In England the long cherished hope of the patriots for self-government was disappointed by the usurpation of Oliver Cromwell. But the commons of Virginia reaped the reward which was denied their brothers of the old country. For a period of eight years all power resided in the House of Burgesses. This body, so truly representative of the small planter class, elected the Governor and specified his duties. If his administration proved unsatisfactory they could remove him from office. The Burgesses also chose the members of the Council. Even the appointing of officials was largely theirs, although this function they usually felt it wise to delegate to the Governor.[6-45] In fact, Virginia was governed during this period, the happiest and most prosperous of its early history, by the small proprietor class which constituted the bulk of the population.

Nor is it true that the people voluntarily surrendered this power by acknowledging the authority of Charles II before the actual restoration in England. After the death of Cromwell, when the affairs of the mother country were in chaos and no man knew which faction would secure possession of the government, the Virginia Assembly asked Sir William Berkeley to act again as their chief executive. But it was specifically stipulated that he was to hold his authority, not from Charles, but from themselves alone.[6-46] In this step the people were doubtless actuated by an apprehension that the monarchy might be restored, in which case it would be much to their advantage to have as the chief executive of the colony the former royal Governor; but they expressly[113] stated that they held themselves in readiness to acknowledge the authority of any Government, whatever it might be, which succeeded in establishing itself in England. So far was Sir William from considering himself a royal Governor, that when the King actually regained his throne, he wrote with no little apprehension, begging forgiveness for having accepted a commission from any other source than himself.[6-47]

It was the small farmer class which suffered most from the despotic methods of Berkeley during the Restoration period—the corrupting of the House of Burgesses, the heavy taxes, the usurpation of power in local government, the distribution of lucrative offices—and it was this class which rose in insurrection in 1676. It is notable that in the course of Bacon's Rebellion the great mass of the people turned against the Governor, either approving passively of his expulsion, or actually aiding his enemies. When Sir William appealed for volunteers in Gloucester county while Bacon was upon the Pamunkey expedition, he could hardly muster a man.[6-48] And the forces which eventually he gathered around him seem to have included only a handful of leading citizens, such men as Philip Ludwell, Nathaniel Bacon, Sr., Giles Brent and Robert Beverley, together with a mass of indentured servants and others who had been forced into service. It is this which explains the apparent cowardice of the loyal forces, who almost invariably took to their heels at the first approach of the rebels, for men will not risk their lives for a cause in which their hearts are not enlisted.

And though the small farmers lost their desperate fight, though their leaders died upon the scaffold, though the oppressive Navigation Acts remained in force, though taxes were heavier than ever, though the governors continued to encroach upon their liberties, they were by no means crushed and they continued in their legislative halls the conflict that[114] had gone against them upon the field of battle. But the political struggle too was severe. It was in the decade from 1678 to 1688 that the Stuart monarchs made their second attempt to crush Anglo-Saxon liberty, an attempt fully as dangerous for the colonies as for England. The dissolving of the three Whig Parliaments, and the acceptance of a pension from Louis XIV were followed not only by the execution of liberal leaders and the withdrawal of town charters in the mother country, but by a deliberate attempt to suppress popular government in America. It was not a mere coincidence that the attack upon the Massachusetts charter, the misrule of Nicholson in New York, the oppressions of the proprietor in Maryland and the tyranny of Culpeper and Effingham in Virginia occurred simultaneously. They were all part and parcel of the policy of Charles II and James II.

These attempts met with failure in Virginia because of the stubborn resistance they encountered from the small farmer class and their representatives in the House of Burgesses. The annulling of statutes by proclamation they denounced as illegal; they protested bitterly against the appointment of their clerk by the Governor; they fought long to retain their ancient judicial privileges; they defeated all attempts of the King and his representatives in Virginia to deprive them of the right to initiate legislation and to control taxation. And with the Glorious Revolution of 1688-89, which put an end forever to Stuart aggressions, they could feel that their efforts alone had preserved liberty in Virginia, that they might now look forward to long years of happiness and prosperity. The Virginia yeoman reckoned not with slavery, however, and slavery was to prove, in part at least, his undoing.


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CHAPTER VII

World Trade

In 1682 the depression which for nearly a quarter of a century had gripped the tobacco trade, somewhat abruptly came to an end. "Our only commodity, tobacco, having the last winter a pretty quick market, hath encouraged ye planters," wrote Secretary Spencer to the Board of Trade in May, 1683.[7-1] Apparently the tide had turned. From this time until the beginning of the War of the Spanish Succession more than two decades later we hear little complaint from Virginia, while there are excellent reasons to suppose that the colony was experiencing a period of growth and prosperity.

In truth the tobacco trade, upon which the planters staked their all, now expanded with startling rapidity, and each year the merchants were forced to add more bottoms to the fleet which sailed for England from the Chesapeake. During the early years of the Restoration period tobacco exports from Virginia and Maryland had made but little advance. In 1663 they amounted to 7,367,140 pounds, six years later they were 9,026,046 pounds.[7-2] In 1698, however, the output of Virginia and Maryland was estimated by the merchant John Linton to be from 70,000 to 80,000 hogsheads.[7-4] Since the hogshead usually contained from 500 to 600 pounds, these figures mean that the planters were then raising from 35,000,000 to 48,000,000 pounds of tobacco. And this conclusion is supported by the fact that the crop of 1699 is valued at £198,115, which at a penny a pound would indicate about 47,000,000 pounds.[7-5] In fact, the production of tobacco in the ten years from 1689[116] to 1699 seems to have tripled, in the years from 1669 to 1699 to have quadrupled. In 1669 the planters considered themselves fortunate if their industry yielded them a return of £30,000; at the end of the century they could count with a fair degree of certainty upon six times that amount.

For Virginia this startling development was all-important. During the darkest days of the Restoration period her share of the total returns from the tobacco crop could hardly have exceeded £10,000; in 1699 it was estimated at £100,000. Even if we accept the conservative statement that the average number of hogsheads exported from Virginia in the last decade of the century varied from 35,000 to 40,000,[7-6] the planters still would have received £75,000 or £80,000. From dire poverty and distress the colony, almost in the twinkling of an eye, found itself in comparative ease and plenty.

Nor is the reason difficult to discover. It had never been the intention of the British Government to destroy the foreign trade of the colonies, the Navigation Acts having been designed only to force that trade through English channels. The planters were still at liberty to send their tobacco where they would, provided it went by way of England and paid the duty of a half penny a pound. That these restrictions so nearly put an end to shipments to the continent of Europe was an unfortunate consequence which to some extent had been foreseen, but which for the time being it was impossible to avoid.

It was undoubtedly the hope of the Government that the foreign market would eventually be regained and that the colonial tobacco would flow from the colonies into England and from England to all the countries of Europe. Prior to 1660 Holland had been the distributing centre for the tobacco of Virginia and Maryland; now England insisted upon taking this rôle upon herself. But the authorities at London were hardly less concerned than the planters themselves at the[117] difficulties encountered in effecting this change and the unfortunate glut in the home markets which followed.

None the less they persisted in the policy they had adopted, even clinging stubbornly to the half penny a pound re-export duty, and trusting that in time they could succeed in conquering for their tobacco the lost continental markets. In this they were bitterly opposed by the Dutch with whom it became necessary to fight two wars within the short space of seven years. Yet steadily, although at first slowly, they made headway. In 1681 the commissioners of the customs refused the request for a cessation of tobacco planting in the colonies, on the ground that to lessen the crop would but stimulate production in foreign countries and so restrict the sale abroad of the Virginia and Maryland leaf.[7-7] This argument has been denounced by some as both specious and selfish, yet it was fully justified by the situation then existing. After all, the only hope for the planters lay in conquering the European market and the way to do this was to flood England with tobacco until it overflowed all artificial barriers and poured across the Channel. And eventually this is just what happened. Since tobacco was piling up uselessly in the warehouses and much of it could not be disposed of at any price, it was inevitable that it should be dumped upon the other nations of Europe. There is in this development a close parallel with the commercial policy of Germany in the years prior to the world war, when no effort was spared to produce a margin of all kinds of wares over the home needs, which was to be exported at excessively low prices. This margin was a weapon of conquest, a means of ousting the merchants of other nations from this market or that. And when once this conquest had been effected, the price could be raised again in order to assure a profit to the German manufacturers.

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It is improbable that the English economists of the Seventeenth century, like those of modern Germany, had foreseen exactly what would happen, but the results were none the less similar. When once the English leaf had secured a strong hold upon the Baltic and upon France and Spain, it was a matter of the greatest difficulty to oust it, especially as the ever increasing influx of slaves made it possible for the planters to meet the lower prices of foreign competitors and still clear a profit. Thus it was that during the years from 1680 to 1708 the Chesapeake tobacco succeeded in surmounting all the difficulties placed in its way by the Navigation Acts, the necessity of the double voyage, the re-export duty of a half penny a pound, and so gradually flooded the continental market.

It is unfortunate that figures for re-exported tobacco during the earlier years of the Restoration period are lacking. In 1688, however, it is stated that the duty of a half penny a pound was yielding the Crown an annual revenue of £15,000, which would indicate that about 7,200,000 pounds were leaving for foreign ports.[7-8] Ten years later, if we may believe the testimony of John Linton, exports of tobacco totalled 50,000 or 60,000 hogsheads, or from 25,000,000 to 30,000,000 pounds. Not more than a fourth of the colonial leaf, he tells us, was consumed in England itself.[7-9] Once more Virginia and Maryland were producing tobacco for all Europe, once more they enjoyed a world market.

This trade was extended from one end of the continent to the other. Vessels laden with American tobacco found their way not only to the ports of France and Holland and Spain, but even to the distant cities of Sweden and Russia.[7-10] The Baltic trade alone amounted to from 5,000 to 10,000 hogsheads, and added from £10,000 to £24,000 to the income of the planters. The chief Russian port of entry was Narva,[119] which took annually some 500 hogsheads, but large quantities were shipped also to Riga and Raval.[7-11] The northern nations bought the cheaper varieties, for no tobacco could be too strong for the hardy men of Sweden and Russia.

The trade was of great importance to England, as the leaf, after it had gone through the process of manufacture, sold for about six pence a pound, yielding to the nation in all from £60,000 to £130,000.[7-12] As the English were still largely dependent upon the Baltic for potash and ship stores, this constituted a most welcome addition to the balance of trade. To the colonies also it was vital, carrying off a large part of the annual crop, and so tending to sustain prices.

France, too, proved a good customer for English tobacco, and in the years prior to the War of the Spanish Succession took annually from 8,000 to 10,000 hogsheads, or from 4,000,000 to 6,000,000 pounds.[7-13] Micajah Perry reported to the Lords of Trade that from 6,000 to 10,000 hogsheads went to France from London alone, while a very considerable amount was sent also from other ports.[7-14]

Far more surprising is the fact that even Spain consumed millions of pounds of English leaf. With her own colonies producing the best tobacco in the world and in the face of its practical exclusion from the English market, it is strange that the Government at Madrid should have permitted this commerce to continue. The obvious course for the Spaniards under the economic theories of the day would have been to exclude English tobacco, both in order to protect their own planters and to retaliate for the restrictions upon their product. Yet it is estimated that from 6,000 to 10,000 hogsheads entered Spain each year.[7-15] A pamphlet published in 1708 entitled The Present State of Tobacco Plantations in America stated that before the outbreak of the war then raging, France and Spain together had taken annually about 20,000 hogsheads.[7-16]

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The Dutch, too, despite their bitter rivalry with the British, found it impossible to do without Virginia tobacco. Purchasing the finest bright Orinoco, they mixed it with leaf of their own growth in the proportion of one to four, and sold it to other European nations. In this way they sought to retain their position as a distributing center for the trade and to give employment to hundreds of poor workers. In all the Dutch seem to have purchased from England about 5,000 hogsheads a year.[7-17]

The enhanced importance of the tobacco trade is reflected in a steady increase of British exports to Virginia and Maryland. The planters, now that they found it possible to market their leaf, laid out the proceeds in the manufactured products of England. At the end of the Seventeenth century the two colonies were importing goods to the value of £200,000 annually. In 1698, which was an exceptionally good year, their purchases were no less than £310,133.[7-18]

In short the tobacco colonies had at last found their proper place in the British colonial system. Both they and the mother country, after long years of experimentation, years of misfortune and recrimination, had reached a common ground upon which to stand. Although Maryland and Virginia still fell short of the ideal set for the British colonies, although they failed to furnish the raw stuffs so urgently needed by the home industries, at least they yielded a product which added materially to shipping, weighed heavily in the balance of trade and brought a welcome revenue to the royal Exchequer.

The Crown reaped a rich return from tobacco, a return which grew not only with the expansion of the trade, but by the imposition from time to time of heavier duties. In the period from 1660 to 1685, when the tariff remained at[121] two pence a pound, the yield must have varied from £75,000 to £100,000. If we assume that the average consumption in England was 9,000,000 pounds and the average exports 3,000,000 the total revenue would have been £81,250. In 1685, however, an additional duty of three pence a pound was placed upon tobacco upon its arrival in England, all of which was refunded when the product was re-exported. In 1688, when the tobacco consumed in England was 8,328,800 pounds, the old and new duties, amounting in all to five pence, must have yielded £173,515. When to this is added £15,000 from the half penny a pound on the 7,200,000 pounds of leaf sent abroad, the total reaches £188,515.

In 1698 still another penny a pound was added to the tax, making a grand total of six pence on colonial tobacco disposed of in England. This new duty, together with the rapid increase in the foreign trade, enriched the Exchequer by another £100,000. In 1699, if we assume that 12,000,000 pounds were consumed in England, the return would have been £300,000; while half a penny a pound on 36,000,000 pounds of re-exported leaf, would have brought the total to £375,000. That this figure was approximately correct we have evidence in the statement of the author of The Present State of the Tobacco Plantations, written in 1705, that the revenue yielded by the tobacco of Virginia and Maryland amounted annually to £400,000.[7-19] This sum constituted a very appreciable proportion of the royal income, so appreciable in fact as to make the tobacco trade a matter of vital importance in the eyes of the King's ministers. They were charged at all times to avoid any contingency which might lessen the imports and reduce the customs.

The increase in the tobacco trade stimulated industry, not only by increasing exports to Virginia and Maryland, but also[122] by creating a new English industry. For most of the tobacco, before it was sent abroad, was subjected to a process of manufacture, by which the leaf was cut and rolled and otherwise prepared for the consumer. This industry gave employment to hundreds of poor persons in England and required a considerable outlay of capital.[7-20]

To British navigation the trade was vital. Each year scores of merchantmen crossed to the Chesapeake and swarmed in every river and creek, delivering their English goods to the planters and taking in return the hogsheads of tobacco. In 1690 the tobacco fleet numbered about 100 ships, aggregating 13,715 tons; in 1706 it counted no less than 300 sails.[7-21] Nor must it be forgotten that re-exported tobacco also added many a goodly merchantman to the navy and gave employment to many a seaman. Altogether Virginia and Maryland constituted an invaluable asset, an asset which ranked in importance secondly only to the sugar plantations.

It would naturally be supposed that the fortunate turn of events which restored to the tobacco colonies their European market would have reacted favorably upon the small planters of Virginia, not only insuring plenty to those already established, but adding new recruits from the ranks of the indentured servants; that the process of making prosperous freemen from the poor immigrants who flocked to the colony, the process interrupted by the passage of the Navigation Acts, would have been resumed now that these laws no longer prevented the flow of tobacco into the continental countries.

Such was not the case, however. A comparison of the lists of immigrants with the rent roll of 1704 shows that but an insignificant proportion of the newcomers succeeded in establishing themselves as landowners. In four lists examined for the year 1689, comprising 332 names, but seven persons can[123] be positively identified upon the rent roll. In 1690, eight lists of 933 names, reveal but twenty-eight persons who were landowners in 1704. Of 274 immigrants listed in 1691, six only appear on the Roll. In 1695, seven lists comprising 711 names, show but ten who possessed farms nine years later. Of 74 headrights appearing in 1696, but two are listed on the roll; of 119 in 1697 only nine; of 169 in 1698 one only; of 454 in 1699, only seven; of 223 in 1700 but six.[7-22] All in all not more than five per cent. of the newcomers during this period prospered and became independent planters. Apparently, then, the restored prosperity of the colony was not shared by the poorer classes, the increased market for tobacco did not better materially the chances of the incoming flood of indentured servants.

The explanation of this state of affairs is found in the fact that tobacco, despite its widened market, experienced no very pronounced rise in price. The average return to the planters during the good years seems to have been one penny a pound.[7-23] This, it is true, constituted an advance over the worst days of the Restoration period, but it was far from approaching the prices of the Civil war and Commonwealth periods. For the poor freedman, it was not sufficient to provide for his support and at the same time make it possible to accumulate a working capital. He could not, as he had done a half century earlier, lay aside enough to purchase a farm, stock it with cattle, hogs and poultry, perhaps even secure a servant or two. Now, although no longer reduced to misery and rags as in the years from 1660 to 1682, he could consider himself fortunate if his labor sufficed to provide wholesome food and warm clothing. How, it may be asked, could Virginia and Maryland produce the vast crops now required by the foreign trade, if the price was still so low? Prior to and just after Bacon's Rebellion the planters repeatedly asserted that their labors only served[124] to bring them into debt, that to produce an extensive crop was the surest way for one to ruin himself. Why was it that twenty years later, although prices were still far below the old level, they could flood the markets of the world?

The answer can be summed up in one word—slavery. The first cargo of negroes arrived in the colony in 1619 upon a Dutch privateer. Presumably they were landed at Jamestown, and sold there to the planters.[7-24] The vessel which won fame for itself by this ill-starred action, was sailing under letters of marque from the Prince of Orange and had been scouring the seas in search of Spanish prizes. Although the Dutch master could have had no information that slaves were wanted in the colony, he seems to have taken it for granted that he would not be forbidden to dispose of his human freight.

The introduction of this handful of negroes—there were but twenty in all—was not the real beginning of the slave system in the colonies. For many years the institution which was to play so sinister a part in American history did not flourish, and the slaves grew in numbers but slowly. In the Muster Roll of Settlers in Virginia, taken in 1624, there were listed only 22 negroes.[7-25] Sixteen years later the black population probably did not exceed 150.[7-26] In 1649, when Virginia was growing rapidly and the whites numbered 15,000, there were but 300 negroes in the colony.[7-27] A sporadic importation of slaves continued during the Commonwealth period, but still the number was insignificant, still the bulk of the labor in the tobacco fields was done by indentured servants and poor freeholders.

In 1670 Governor Berkeley reported to the Board of Trade that out of a total population of 40,000, but five per cent were slaves.[7-28] Eleven years later the number of blacks was estimated at 3,000.[7-29] In 1635 twenty-six negroes were brought in, the largest purchaser being Charles Harmar.[7-30] In 1636[125] the importations were but seven, in 1637 they were 28, in 1638 thirty, in 1639 forty-six, in 1642 seven only, in 1643 eighteen, in 1649 seventeen.[7-31] But with the passage of the years somewhat larger cargoes began to arrive. In 1662 Richard Lee claimed among his headrights no less than 80 negroes, in 1665 the Scarboroughs imported thirty-nine. In 1670, however, Berkeley declared that "not above two or three ships of Negroes" had arrived in the province in the previous seven years.[7-32]

It is evident, then, that during the larger part of the Seventeenth century slavery played but an unimportant rôle in the economic and social life of the colony. The planters were exceedingly anxious to make use of slave labor, which they considered the foundation of the prosperity of their rivals of the Spanish tobacco colonies, but slave labor was most difficult to obtain. The trade had for many years been chiefly in the hands of the Dutch, and these enterprising navigators sold most of their negroes to the Spanish plantations. Ever since the days of Henry VIII the English had made efforts to secure a share of this profitable traffic, but with very meagre success.[7-33]

The Dutch had established trading stations along the African coast, guarded by forts and war vessels. Any attempts of outsiders to intrude upon the commerce was regarded by them as an act of open aggression to be resisted by force of arms. To enter the trade with any hope of success it became necessary for the English to organize a company rich enough to furnish armed protection to their merchantmen. But no such organization could be established during the Civil War and Commonwealth periods, and it was not until 1660 that the African Company, under the leadership of the Duke of York entered the field.[7-34]

This was but the beginning of the struggle, however. The Dutch resisted strenuously, stirring up the native chieftains[126] against the English, seizing their vessels and breaking up their stations. Not until two wars had been fought was England able to wring from the stubborn Netherlanders an acknowledgment of her right to a share in the trade. Even then the Virginians were not adequately supplied, for the sugar islands were clamoring for slaves, and as they occupied so important a place in the colonial system they were the first to be served. Throughout the last quarter of the Seventeenth century negroes in fairly large numbers began to arrive in the Chesapeake, but it was only in the years from 1700 to 1720 that they actually accomplished the overthrow of the old system of labor and laid the foundations of a new social structure. Throughout the Seventeenth century the economic system of the tobacco colonies depended upon the labor of the poor white man, whether free or under terms of indenture; in the Eighteenth century it rested chiefly upon the black shoulders of the African slave.

There could be no manner of doubt as to the desirability of the slaves from an economic standpoint, apparently the only standpoint that received serious consideration. The indentured servant could be held usually for but a few years. Hardly had he reached his greatest usefulness for his master than he demanded his freedom. Thus for the man of large means to keep his fields always in cultivation it was necessary constantly to renew his supply of laborers. If he required twenty hands, he must import each year some five or six servants, or run the risk of finding himself running behind. But the slave served for life. The planter who had purchased a full supply of negroes could feel that his labor problems were settled once and for all. Not only could he hold the slaves themselves for life, but their children also became his property and took their places in the tobacco fields as soon as they approached maturity.

[127]

Thus in the end the slave was far cheaper. The price of a servant depended largely upon the cost of his passage across the ocean. We find that William Matthews, having three years and nine months to serve, was rated in the inventory of his master, John Thomas, at £12.[7-35] A servant of Robert Leightenhouse, having two years to serve, was put at £9;[7-36] while on the other hand we find another listed in the estate of Colonel Francis Epes, also having two years to serve, at only £5.[7-37] A white lad under indenture for seven years to Mr. Ralph Graves was valued at £10.[7-38] On the whole it would seem that the price of a sturdy man servant varied from £2 to £4 for each year of his service. On the other hand a vigorous slave could be had at from £18 to £30. Assuming that he gave his master twenty-five years of service, the cost for each year would be but one pound sterling. There could be no doubt, then, that in the mere matter of cost he was much cheaper than the indentured white man.

It is true that the negro was none too efficient as a laborer. Born in savagery, unacquainted with the English tongue, knowing little of agriculture, it was a matter of some difficulty for him to accustom himself to his task in the tobacco fields. Yet when his lesson had been learned, when a few years of experience had taught him what his master expected him to do, the slave showed himself quite adequate to the requirements of the one staple crop. The culture of tobacco is not essentially difficult, especially when pursued in the unscientific manner of the colonial period. It required many, but not skilled hands. The slave, untutored and unintelligent, proved inadequate to the industrial needs of the northern colonies. The niceties of shipbuilding were beyond his capacities, he was not needed as a fisherman, he was not a good sailor, he was useless in the system of intensive agriculture in vogue[128] north of Maryland. But in the tobacco field he would do. He could not at first tend so many plants as his white rival, he could not produce tobacco of such fine quality, but what he lacked in efficiency he more than made up for in cheapness.

The African seems to have withstood remarkably well the diseases indigenous to eastern Virginia. There are occasional reports of epidemics among the slaves, but usually they were fairly immune both to malaria and dysentery. A census taken in 1714, when there were perhaps 15,000 negroes in the colony, records burials for sixty-two slaves only.[7-39] The births of slaves for the same year totalled 253.[7-40] These figures indicate not only the excellent physical condition in which these black workers were kept by their masters, but the rapidity with which they were multiplying. The low death rate is in part explained by the fact that only strong men and women were transported to the colonies, but it is none the less clearly indicative of the ease with which the African accustomed himself to the climate of tidewater Virginia.

As a rule the negro was more docile than the white servant, especially if the latter happened to be from the ruder elements of English society. He was not so apt to resist his master or to run away to the mountains. Yet plots among the blacks were not unknown. In 1710 a conspiracy was discovered among the slaves of Surry and James City counties which was to have been put into execution on Easter day. The negroes planned to rise simultaneously, destroy any who stood in their way, and make good their escape out of the colony. Among the chief conspirators were Jamy, belonging to Mr. John Broadnax, Mr. Samuel Thompson's Peter, Tom and Cato of Mr. William Edwards, Great Jack and Little Jack of Mr. John Edwards, and Will belonging to Mr. Henry Hart. "Two or three of these were tried this general court," wrote Colonel Jennings, "found guilty and will be executed. And I hope[129] their fate will strike such a terror in the other Negroes as will keep them from forming such designs for the future."[7-41] The lesson did not prove lasting, however, for in 1730 a number of slaves from Norfolk and Princess Anne counties assembled while the whites were at church, and chose officers to command them in a bold stroke for freedom. As in the previous attempt they were discovered, many arrested and several of the ringleaders executed.[7-42]

Neither the merchants nor the planters seem to have been conscious of any wrong in the seizure and sale of negroes. They regarded the native Africans as hardly human, mere savages that were no more deserving of consideration than oxen or horses. And as it was right and proper to hitch the ox or the horse to the plow, so it was equally legitimate to put the negro to work in the fields of sugar cane or tobacco. Whatever hardships he had to endure upon the voyage to America or by reason of his enforced labor, they considered amply compensated by his conversion to Christianity.

It is true that the colony of Virginia early in the Eighteenth century imposed a heavy duty upon the importation of slaves, but it did so neither from any consciousness of wrong in slavery itself or a perception of the social problems which were to grow out of it. At the time the price of tobacco was declining rapidly and many planters were losing money. Feeling that their misfortunes arose from overproduction, which in turn was the result of the recent purchases of negroes, the colonial legislators decided to check the trade. "The great number of negroes imported here and solely employed in making tobacco," wrote Governor Spotswood in 1711, "hath produced for some years past an increase in tobacco far disproportionate to the consumption of it ... and consequently lowered the price of it."[7-43] "The people of Virginia will not now be so fond of purchasing negroes as of late,"[130] declared President Jennings of the Virginia Council in 1708, "being sensibly convinced of their error, which has in a manner ruined the credit of the country."[7-44]

During the years from 1680 to 1700 slaves arrived in the colony in increasing numbers. In 1681 William Fitzhugh, in a letter to Ralph Wormeley, refers to the fact that several slave ships were expected that year in the York river.[7-45] At this period, for the first time in Virginia history, we find negroes in large numbers entered as headrights upon the patent rolls. In 1693 Captain John Storey received a grant of land for the importation of 79 negroes, in 1694 Robert Beverley brought in seventy, in 1695 William Randolph twenty-five.[7-46] Before the end of the century it is probable that the slaves in Virginia numbered nearly 6,000, and had already become more important to the economic life of the colony than the indentured servants.[7-47]

The chief purchasers at this time were men of large estates. The advantages of slave labor were manifest to planters of the type of William Byrd or William Fitzhugh, men who had built up fortunes by their business ability. It is but natural that they should have turned early from the indentured servant to stock their plantations with the cheaper and more remunerative African workers.

As the English secured a stronger hold upon the African trade slaves arrived in ever increasing numbers. During the years from 1699 to 1708 no less than 6,843 came in, a number perhaps exceeding the entire importations of the Seventeenth century.[7-48] In the summer of 1705 alone 1,800 negroes arrived.[7-49] With what rapidity the black man was taking the place of the indentured servant and the poor freeman as the chief laborer of the colony is shown by the fact that in 1708, in a total tithable list of 30,000, no less than 12,000 were slaves. President Jennings at the same time reported that[131] the number of servants was inconsiderable.[7-50] "Before the year 1680 what negroes came to Virginia were usually from Barbadoes," Jennings told the Board of Trade in 1708. "Between 1680 and 1698 the negro trade become more frequent, tho not in any proportion to what it hath been of late, during which the African Company have sent several ships and others by their licence having bought their slaves of the Company brought them here for sale, among which lately Alderman Jeffreys and Sir Jeffry Jeffreys were principally concerned."[7-51]

The wars of Charles XII, however, which proved disastrous to the Baltic trade, and the War of the Spanish Succession which cut off exports of tobacco to France and Spain, caused a serious decline in prices and made it impossible for the planters to continue the large purchases of slaves. This fact, together with the duty which had been imposed with the express purpose of keeping them out, reduced the importations to a minimum during the years from 1710 to 1718.[7-52] But with the reopening of the tobacco market and the return of prosperity to Virginia, the black stream set in again with redoubled force. In 1730, out of a total population of 114,000, no less than 30,000 were negroes.[7-53] In other words the slaves, who in 1670 had constituted but five per cent of the people, now comprised twenty-six per cent. Slavery, from being an insignificant factor in the economic life of the colony, had become the very foundation upon which it was established.

As we have seen it was not slavery but the protracted accumulation of surplus stocks of tobacco in England which had broken the long continued deadlock of the tobacco trade during the Restoration period and caused the overflow into continental markets. That the labor of blacks at first played no essential part in the movement is evident from the fact that in 1682 when it first became pronounced, the slave population[132] of Virginia and Maryland was still insignificant. But that the trade not only continued after the glut in England had been cleared up, but increased with startling rapidity, was unquestionably the result of more universal use of negroes in the years immediately preceding the War of the Spanish Succession. Slavery so cheapened the cost of production that it was now quite possible for those who used them to pay the half penny a pound duty on reëxported tobacco in England, and still undersell all rivals in the European market. Before many years had passed the tobacco trade, with all that it meant both to England and to the colonies, rested almost entirely upon the labor of the savage black man so recently brought from the African wilds.

That this fact was fully understood at the time is attested by various persons interested in the colony and the trade. In 1728 Francis Fane, in protesting against the imposition of a new tax in Virginia on the importation of slaves declared "that Laying a Duty on Negroes can only tend to make them scarcer and dearer, the two things that for the good of our Trade and for the Benefit of Virginia ought chiefly to be guarded against, since it is well known that the cheepness of Virginia tobacco in European Marketts is the true Cause of the great Consumption thereof in Europe, and one would have therefore Expected rather to have seen an Act allowing a premium on the Importation of Negroes to have Encouraged the bringing them in, than an Act laying so large a Duty to discourage their Importation."[7-54] Similarly Colonel Spencer wrote to the Board of Trade. "The low price of tobacco requires it should be made as cheap as possible. The Blacks can make it cheaper than Whites, so I conceive it is for his Majesty's interest full as much as the Country's or rather much more, to have Blacks as cheap as possible in Virginia."[7-55]

It is evident, then, that the opening of the European market[133] and the vast expansion of the tobacco trade, while bringing prosperity to the larger planters, was no great boon to the man who tilled his fields with his own hands. It assured him a ready sale for his crop, it is true, but at prices so low as to leave him a very narrow margin of profit. The new era which was opening, the so-called golden era of Virginia history, was not for him. Virginia in the Eighteenth century was to be the land of the slave holder, not of the little planter.


[134]

CHAPTER VIII

Beneath the Black Tide

The importation of slaves in large numbers reacted almost immediately upon the migration of whites to Virginia. As we have seen, the stream of indentured servants that poured across the Atlantic remained remarkably constant throughout almost all of the Seventeenth century. The larger planters were always in need of laborers, and they looked to the surplus population of England to supply them. But with the coming of the blacks all was changed. The Virginians saw in the slave ships which now so frequently entered their rivers the solution of all their problems. And so the influx of white men and women from the mother country dwindled and almost died out, while in its place came a still greater stream from the coast of Africa.

At the time of Bacon's Rebellion the annual importation of servants was between 1,500 and 2,000. The headrights for 1674 show 1931 names.[8-1] Seven years later the whites were still arriving in large numbers, the rolls for 1682 having 1,565 names. As the century drew to a close, however, the effect of the slave trade upon white immigration is reflected in the dwindling number of headrights. The change that was taking place is illustrated by a patent of 13,500 acres to Ralph Wormleley for the transportation of 249 persons, 149 of whom were white and 100 black.[8-2] Yet so late as 1704 the servants were still coming in appreciable numbers. In 1708 however, the number of servants at work in the colony had dwindled away almost entirely.[8-3] In 1715 the names of white persons listed as headrights was but ninety-one; in 1718 but 101.[8-4] In other[135] words, the first great migration of Englishmen to continental America, a migration extending over a century and comprising from 100,000 to 150,000 men, women and children, had practically come to an end.

English statesmen at the time looked upon this event as an unalloyed blessing. The day had passed when they felt that there existed a surplus of labor at home and that the country was in need of blood letting. The proper policy was to keep Englishmen in England, to devote their energies to local industries and so strengthen the economic and military sinews of the nation. And if unemployment existed, it was the correct policy to bring work to the idle rather than send the idle out of the country in quest of work.[8-5] And the colonies were to be utilized, no longer as outlets for the population, but as a means to the upbuilding of local industry. They were to supply a market for English goods, keep employed English mariners and furnish the tobacco and sugar which when re-exported weighed so heavily in the balance of trade. And since these great staple crops could be produced by the work of slaves, it was thought highly advantageous for all concerned that the negro should replace the white servant in both the tobacco and the sugar fields. The planters would profit by the lowered cost of production, English industry would gain by the increased volume of traffic, the Crown revenues would be enhanced and English laborers would be kept at home.[8-6]

Apparently the deeper significance of this great movement was entirely lost upon the British economists and ministers. They had no conception of the advantage of having their colonies inhabited by one race alone and that race their own. From the first their vision was too restricted to embrace the idea of a new and greater Britain in its fullest sense. They could not bring themselves to look upon the soil of Virginia and Maryland as a part of the soil of an extended[136] England, upon the Virginians and Marylanders as Englishmen, enjoying privileges equal to their own. They could not realize the strength that would come from such an empire as this, the mighty future it would insure to the Anglo-Saxon race.

Their conception was different. The British empire must consist of two distinct parts—mother country and colonies. And in any clash of interest between the two, the former must prevail. It was not their intent that the colonies should be purposely sacrificed, that they should be made to pay tribute to a tyrannical parent. In fact, they earnestly desired that the plantations should prosper, for when they languished English industry suffered. But in their eyes the colonies existed primarily for the benefit of England. England had given them birth, had defended them, had nurtured them; she was amply justified, therefore, in subordinating them to her own industrial needs.

Thus they viewed the substitution of the importation of slaves to the tobacco colonies for the importation of white men purely from an English, not an Anglo-Saxon, point of view. Had it been a question of bringing thousands of negroes to England itself to drive the white laborers from the fields, they would have interposed an emphatic veto. But with the structure of colonial life they were not greatly concerned. In 1693, when James Blair secured from the King and Queen a gift for his new college at Williamsburg, Attorney-General Seymour objected vigorously, stating that there was not the least occasion for such an institution in Virginia. Blair reminded him that the chief purpose of the college was to educate young men for the ministry and begged him to consider that the people of the colony had souls to be saved as well as the people of England. "Souls! Damn your souls," snapped the Attorney-General, "make tobacco."[8-7] It would be unfair to say that[137] the British Government took just the same view of the colonists as did Seymour, but there can be no doubt that their chief concern in the plantations was centered upon the size of their exports to England and of their purchases of English goods. And as the slaves could make more tobacco than the indentured servants, it became the settled policy of the Crown to encourage the African trade in every possible way.

The influx of slaves not only put almost a complete end to the importation of white servants, but it reacted disastrously upon the Virginia yeomanry. In this respect we find a close parallel with the experience of ancient Rome with slave labor. In the third and second centuries before Christ the glory of the republic lay in its peasantry. The self-reliant, sturdy, liberty-loving yeoman formed the backbone of the conquering legion and added to the life of the republic that rugged strength that made it so irresistible. "To say that a citizen is a good farmer is to reach the extreme limit of praise," said Cato. Some of the ablest of the early Roman generals were recruited from the small farmer class. Fabius Maximus, the Dictator, in need of money, sent his son to Rome to sell his sole possession, a little farm of seven jugera. Regulus, while in Africa, asked that he be recalled from his command because the hired man he had left to cultivate his fields had fled with all his farm implements, and he feared his wife and children would starve.[8-8]

This vigorous peasantry was destroyed by the importation of hordes of slaves and the purchase of cheap foreign grain. So long as the wars of Rome were limited to Italy the number of slaves was comparatively small, but as her armies swept over the Mediterranean countries one after another and even subdued the wild Gauls and Britains, an unending stream of captives poured into the city and filled to overflowing the slave markets. Cicero, during his short campaign against the[138] Parthians wrote to Atticus that the sale of his prisoners had netted no less than 12,000,000 sestercias. In Epirus 100,000 men were captured; 60,000 Cimbries and 100,000 Germans graced the triumph of Marius; Caesar is said to have taken in Gaul another 100,000 prisoners. Soon the slave became the cheapest of commodities, and he who possessed even the most extensive lands could readily supply himself with the labor requisite for their cultivation.

Thus thrown into competition with slave labor the peasant proprietor found it impossible to sustain himself. The grain which he produced with his own hands had to compete in the same market with that made by slaves. It must, therefore, sell for the same price, a price so low that it did not suffice to feed and clothe him and his family. So he was forced to give up his little estate, an estate perhaps handed down to him by generations of farmers, and migrate to the city of Rome, to swell the idle and plebeian population. And once there he demanded bread, a demand which the authorities dared not refuse. So the public treasury laid out the funds for the purchase of wheat from all parts of the world, from Spain, from Africa, from Sicily, wheat which was given away or sold for a song. This in turn reacted unfavorably upon the peasants who still clung to the soil in a desperate effort to wring from it a bare subsistence, and accelerated the movement to the city.

Thus Italy was transformed from the land of the little farmer into the land of big estates cultivated by slaves. A sad development surely, a development which had much to do with the decay and final overthrow of the mighty structure of the Roman Empire. In former times, Titus Livius tells us, "there was a multitude of free men in this country where today we can hardly find a handful of soldiers, and which would be a wilderness were it not for our slaves." "The plough is[139] everywhere bereft of honor," wrote Virgil, while Lucian bewailed the departed peasants whose places were taken by fettered slaves.[8-9]

The importation of slaves to Virginia had somewhat similar results. While not destroying entirely the little farmer class, it exerted a baleful influence upon it, driving many families out of the colony, making the rich man richer, reducing the poor man to dire poverty. Against this unfortunate development the Virginia yeoman was helpless. Instinctively he must have felt that the slave was his enemy, and the hatred and rivalry which even today exists between the negro and the lowest class of whites, the so-called "poor white trash," dates back to the Seventeenth century.

The emigration of poor persons, usually servants just freed, from Virginia to neighboring colonies was well under way even at the time of Bacon's Rebellion. In 1677 complaint was made of "the inconvenience which arose from the neighborhood of Maryland and North Carolina," in that Virginia was daily deprived of its inhabitants by the removal of poor men hither. Runaway servants were welcomed in both places, it was asserted, while the debtor was accorded protection against prosecution.[8-10] This early emigration was caused, of course, not by the importation of slaves, for that movement had not yet assumed important proportions, but by the evil consequences of the Navigation Acts. The Virginia yeoman moved on to other colonies because he found it impossible to maintain himself at the current price of tobacco.

The continuance of the movement, for it persisted for a full half century, must be ascribed to the competition of negro labor. Like the Roman peasant, the Virginia yeoman, to an extent at least, found it impossible to maintain himself in the face of slave competition. The servant, upon the expiration of his term, no longer staked off his little farm and settled[140] down to a life of usefulness and industry. The poor planter who had not yet fully established himself, sold or deserted his fields and moved away in search of better opportunities and higher returns.

This migration was not the first of its kind in the English colonies, for the movement of Massachusetts congregations into the valley of the Connecticut antedated it by several decades. Yet it furnishes an interesting illustration of the lack of permanency in American life, of the facility with which populations urged on by economic pressure of one kind or another change localities. The great movement westward over the Appalachian range which followed the War of 1812, the pilgrimages of homesteaders to the northwest and the Pacific coast, find their precedent in the exodus of these poor families from the tobacco fields of Virginia.

In the last decade of the Seventeenth century the migration assumed such large proportions that the Board of Trade became alarmed and directed Francis Nicholson to enquire into its cause in order that steps might be taken to stop it. The emigrant stream that directed itself northward did not halt in eastern Maryland, for conditions there differed little from those in Virginia itself. The settlers went on to the unoccupied lands in the western part of the colony, or made their way into Delaware or Pennsylvania. "The reason why inhabitants leave this province," wrote Nicholson, while Governor of Maryland, "is, I think, the encouragement which they receive from the Carolinas, the Jerseys, and above all from Pennsylvania, which is so nigh that it is easy to remove thither. There handicraft tradesmen have encouragement when they endeavor to set up woolen manufactures."[8-11]

Although this explanation does not go to the root of the matter, it was in part correct. The northern colonies held out far greater opportunities for the poor man than the slave[141] choked fields of tidewater Maryland and Virginia. The industries of Pennsylvania and Delaware and the Jerseys demanded a certain degree of skill and yielded in return a very fair living. In other words, the poor settlers in Virginia, finding that tobacco culture was now based upon the cheap labor of African slaves, moved away to other localities where intelligence still brought an adequate reward.

The Maryland House of Delegates, when asked to give their opinion in this matter, thought that it was a desire to escape the payment of debts which made some of the "meaner inhabitants" seek shelter in Delaware Bay and the Carolinas. They came nearer the real cause when they added that the low price paid by the merchants for tobacco obliged many to leave.[8-12] Nicholson was not satisfied with this answer. "They will not directly own," he wrote, "that setting up manufactures and handicraft-trades in Pennsylvania, the large tracts of land held by some persons here and the encouragement given to illegal traders are the causes that make people leave this province. They would have it that they wish to avoid the persecution of their creditors, which causes them to shelter themselves among the inhabitants of the Lower Counties of Delaware Bay and of Carolina. The low price of tobacco has obliged many of the planters to try their fortune elsewhere, and the currency of money in Pennsylvania, which here is not, draws them to that province from this."[8-13]

In Virginia the difficulty of securing desirable land because of the large tracts patented by rich planters was usually assigned as the reason for the migration of poor families. This view of the matter was taken by Edward Randolph, the man who had won the undying hatred of the people of Massachusetts by his attempts to enforce the Navigation Acts there and by his attacks upon their charter. In 1696 Randolph did Virginia the honor of a visit, and although encountering there[142] none of the opposition which had so angered him in New England, he sent to the Board of Trade a memorial concerning the colony, criticising the government severely. "It should be inquired into," he said, "how it comes to pass that the colony (the first English settlement on the continent of America, begun above 80 years ago) is not better inhabited, considering what vast numbers of servants and others have yearly been transported thither.... The chief and only reason is the Inhabitants and Planters have been and at this time are discouraged and hindered from planting tobacco in that colony, and servants are not so willing to go there as formerly, because the members of the Council and others, who make an interest in the Government, have from time to time procured grants of very large Tracts of land, so that there has not for many years been any waste land to be taken up by those who bring with them servants, or by such Servants, who have served their time faithfully with their Masters, but it is taken up and ingrossed beforehand, whereby they are forced to hyer and pay a yearly rent for some of those Lands, or go to the utmost bounds of the Colony for Land, exposed to danger and often times proves the Occasion of Warr with the Indians."[8-14]

For their large holdings the wealthy men paid not one penny of quit rents, Randolph said, and failed to comply with the regulations for seating new lands. The law demanded that upon receipt of a patent one must build a house upon the ground, improve and plant the soil and keep a good stock of cattle or hogs. But in their frontier holdings the wealthy men merely erected a little bark hut and turned two or three hogs into the woods by it. Or else they would clear one acre of land and plant a little Indian corn for one year, trusting that this evasion would square them with the letter of the law. By such means, Randolph adds, vast tracts were held, all of[143] which had been procured on easy terms and much by means of false certificates of rights. "Which drives away the inhabitants and servants, brought up only to planting, to seek their fortunes in Carolina or other places."[8-15]

Randolph suggested that the evil might be remedied by requiring a strict survey of lands in every county, by demanding all arrears of quit rents, by giving strict orders that in the future no grant should exceed 500 acres. These measures, he believed, would cause 100,000 acres to revert to the Crown, and "invite home those who for want of Land left Virginia." It would encourage other persons to come from neighboring colonies to take up holdings and "mightily increase the number of Planters." This would augment the production of tobacco by many thousands of hogsheads, stimulate trade and industry in England, and aid his Majesty's revenue.

The Board of Trade was deeply impressed. They wrote to Governor Andros explaining to him the substance of Randolph's report and asking what steps should be taken to remedy the evils he had pointed out. "But this seeming to us a matter of very great consequence," they added, "we have not been willing to meddle in it without your advice, which we now desire you to give fully and plainly." But Andros knew full well that it was no easy matter to make the large landowners disgorge. The thing had been attempted by Nicholson several years earlier, when suit was instituted against Colonel Lawrence Smith for arrears of quit rents upon tracts of land which had never been under cultivation.[8-16] But before the case came to trial Nicholson had been recalled and it was afterward compounded for a nominal sum. The proceedings had caused great resentment among the powerful clique which centered around the Council of State, and Andros was reluctant to reopen the matter. He knew of no frauds in granting patents of land, he wrote the Board, and could suggest no remedy[144] for what was past, "being a matter of Property." He agreed, however, that to limit the size of future patents would tend to "the more regular planting and thicker seating of the frontier lands."[8-17]

Consequently when Francis Nicholson was commissioned as Governor in 1698, he received strict instructions to advise with the Council and the Assembly upon this matter and to report back to the Board.[8-18] That nothing was accomplished, however, may clearly be inferred from a letter of a certain George Larkin written December 22, 1701. "There is no encouragement for anyone to come to the Plantation," he declared, "most of the land lying at all convenient being taken up. Some have 20,000, 30,000 or 40,000 acres, the greater part of which is unimployed."[8-19] Two years later Nicholson himself wrote that certain recent grants were for ten or twenty thousand acres each, so that privileged persons had engrossed all the good land in those parts, by which means they kept others from settling it or else made them pay for it.[8-20]

Despite all the concern which this matter created, it is doubtful whether it was to any appreciable extent responsible for the continued emigration of poor families. The mere granting of patents for large tracts of land could not of itself fix the economic structure of the colony, could not, if all other conditions were favorable, prevent the establishment of small freeholds. Rather than have their fields lie idle while the poor men who should have been cultivating them trooped out of the colony, the rich would gladly have sold them in small parcels at nominal prices. In the first half century after the settlement at Jamestown, as we have seen, such a breakup of extensive holdings into little farms actually occurred. Had similar conditions prevailed in the later period a like development would have followed. But in 1630 or 1650, when slaves were seldom employed and when tobacco was high, the poor[145] man's toil yielded a return so large that he could well afford to purchase a little farm and make himself independent. In 1680 or 1700, in the face of the competition of slave labor, he was almost helpless. Even had he found a bit of unoccupied ground to which he could secure a title, he could not make it yield enough to sustain him and his family.[8-21]

In 1728 Governor Gooch wrote the Board of Trade that the former belief that large holdings of frontier land had been an impediment to settlement was entirely erroneous. It was his opinion, in fact, that extensive grants made it to the interest of the owners to bring in settlers and so populate the country. In confirmation of this he pointed to the fact that Spotsylvania country, where many large patents had been issued, had filled up more rapidly than Brunswick, where they had been restricted in size.[8-22]

In the first decade of the new century the emigration out of the tobacco colonies continued without abatement. With another disastrous decline in the price of tobacco following the outbreak of the wars of Charles XII and Louis XIV, so many families moved over the border that the Board of Trade, once more becoming seriously alarmed, questioned the Council as to the causes of the evil and what steps should be taken to remedy it. In their reply the Councillors repeated the old arguments, declaring that the lack of land in Virginia and the immunity of debtors from prosecution in the proprietory colonies were responsible for the movement. But they touched the heart of the matter in their further statement that the great stream of negroes that was pouring into the colony had so increased the size of the tobacco crop that prices had declined and the poor found it difficult to subsist. Not only "servants just free go to North Carolina," they wrote, "but old planters whose farms are worn out."[8-23]

A year later President Jennings stated that the migration[146] was continuing and that during the summer of 1709 "many entire families" had moved out of the colony.[8-24] In fact, although but few indentured servants arrived from England after the first decade of the century, poor whites were still departing for the north or for western Carolina so late as 1730. William Byrd II tells us that in 1728, when he was running the dividing line between Virginia and North Carolina, he was entertained by a man who "was lately removed, Bag and Baggage from Maryland, thro a strong Antipathy he had to work and paying his Debts." Indeed he thought it a "thorough Aversion to Labor" which made "People file off to North Carolina."[8-25]

It is impossible to estimate the numbers involved in this movement, but they must have run into the thousands. For a full half century a large proportion of the white immigrants to Virginia seem to have remained there for a comparatively short time only, then to pass on to other settlements. And the migration to Virginia during these years we know to have comprised not less than thirty or thirty-five thousand persons. In fact, it would seem that this movement out of the older colony must have been a very important factor in the peopling of its neighbors, not only western Carolina and western Maryland, but Delaware and Pennsylvania.

Though many thus fled before the stream of negroes which poured in from Africa, others remained behind to fight for their little plantations. Yet they waged a losing battle. Those who found it possible to purchase slaves, even one or two, could ride upon the black tide, but the others slowly sank beneath it.

During the first half of the Eighteenth century the poor whites sought to offset the cheapness of slave made tobacco by producing themselves only the highest grades. The traders who dealt in the finest Orinoco, which brought the best prices,[147] found it not upon the plantations of the wealthy, but of those who tended their plants with their own hands. "I must beg you to remember that the common people make the best," wrote Governor Gooch to the Lords of Trade in 1731.[8-26]

In fact, the wealthy planter, with his newly acquired gangs of slaves, found it difficult at this time to produce any save the lower grades of tobacco. The African was yet too savage, too untutored in the ways of civilization to be utilized for anything like intensive cultivation. "Though they may plant more in quantity," wrote Gooch, "yet it frequently proves very mean stuff, different from the Tobacco produced from well improved and well tended Grounds." "Yet the rich Man's trash will always damp the Market," he adds, "and spoil the poor Man's good Tobacco which has been carefully managed."[8-27] Thus the small farmer made one last desperate effort to save himself by pitting his superior intelligence against the cheapness of slave labor.

But his case was hopeless. As slavery became more and more fixed upon the colony, the negro gradually increased in efficiency. He learned to speak his master's language, brokenly of course, but well enough for all practical purposes. He was placed under the tutelage of overseers, who taught him the details of his work and saw that he did it. He became a civilized being, thoroughly drilled in the one task required of him, the task of producing tobacco. Thus the rich planter soon found it possible to cultivate successfully the higher grades, and so to drive from his last rampart the white freeholder whose crop was tended by himself alone.

Placed at so great a disadvantage, the poor man, at all times in very difficult circumstances, found it almost impossible to exist whenever conditions in Europe sent the price of tobacco down. In the years from 1706 to 1714, when the tobacco trade was interrupted by the wars of Charles XII in the Baltic[148] region and the protracted struggle known as the War of the Spanish Succession, he was reduced to the utmost extremities.

Virginia and Maryland were learning that a prosperity founded upon one crop which commanded a world market was in unsettled times subject to serious setbacks. It was a long cry from the James and the Potomac to the Baltic ports, yet the welfare of the Virginia and Maryland planters was in no small degree dependent upon the maintenance of peaceful conditions in Poland and Sweden and Russia. A war which seriously curtailed the exportation of English leaf to the northern countries would inevitably react on the price and so bring misfortune to the colonial planters. When called before the Board of Trade to testify as to the decay of the tobacco trade, the manufacturer John Linton declared that the Baltic countries, which formerly had purchased thousands of hogsheads a year, now took comparatively few. "The Russian trade is ruined," he said.[8-28]

The war against France and Spain, coming at this unfortunate juncture, still further restricted the market, sent prices down to new depths and filled to overflowing the planters' cup of misfortune. "The war has stopped the trade with Spain, France, Flanders and part of the Baltic," Colonel Quary reported in a memorial to the Board of Trade, "which took off yearly 20,000 hogsheads of tobacco. Now our best foreign market is Holland."[8-29] The pamphlet entitled The Present State of the Tobacco Plantations in America stated, in 1708, that France and Spain alone had imported 20,000 hogsheads, but that both were now otherwise supplied. "The troubles in Sweden, Poland, Russia, etc., have prevented the usual exportation of great quantities to those ports. Virginia and Maryland have severely felt the loss of such exportation, having so far reduced the planters that for several years past the whole product of their tobacco would hardly clothe the servants that made it."[8-30]

[149]

Their misfortunes were accentuated by the fact that the Dutch took advantage of the European upheavals to gain control of a part of the tobacco trade. Upon the outbreak of the war with Louis XIV, England prohibited the exportation of tobacco either to France or to Spain, but Holland, despite her participation in the struggle, apparently took no such action. On the contrary she strained every nerve to entrench herself in the markets of her ally before peace should once more open the flood gates to Virginia and Maryland tobacco. With this in view the acreage in Holland devoted to the cultivation of the leaf was rapidly extended. "The Dutch are improving and increasing their tobacco plantations," wrote John Linton in 1706. "In 1701 they produced only 18,000 hogsheads. Last year it was 33,500 hogsheads." Plantations at Nimwegen, Rhenen, Amersfoort and Nijkerk turned out 13,400,000 pounds, while great quantities were raised on the Main, in Higher Germany and in Prussia.[8-31]

The Dutch mixed their own leaf with that of Virginia and Maryland in the proportion of four to one, subjected it to a process of manufacture and sent it out to all the European markets.[8-32] In 1707 a letter to John Linton stated that they had from thirty to forty houses for "making up tobacco in rolls," employing 4,000 men, besides great numbers of women and girls. Their Baltic exports were estimated at 12,350,000 pounds; 2,500,000 pounds to Norway, 1,500,000 to Jutland and Denmark, 4,000,000 to Sweden, 2,350,000 to Lapland, 2,000,000 to Danzig and Königsberg.[8-33]

With the continuation of the war on the continent Dutch competition became stronger and stronger. In 1714, when peace was at last in prospect, they seemed thoroughly entrenched in many of the markets formerly supplied by the English. "The planting of tobacco in Holland, Germany, Etc.," it was reported to the Board of Trade, "is increased to[150] above four times what it was 20 years ago, and amounts now to as much as is made in both Virginia and Maryland." The tobacco trade, which had formerly produced some £250,000 in the balance of trade, had declined to about half that figure, exports of manufactured goods to the Chesapeake were rapidly dwindling, the number of ships engaged in carrying tobacco was greatly reduced, the merchants were impoverished, the planters were ruined.[8-34]

"It is hardly possible to imagine a more miserable spectacle than the poorer sort of inhabitants in this colony," the Council wrote in 1713, "whose labour in tobacco has not for several years afforded them clothing to shelter them from the violent colds as well as heats to both which this climate is subject in the several seasons. The importation of British and other European commodities by the merchants, whereby the planters were formerly well supplied with clothing, is now in a manner wholly left off and the small supplies still ventured sold at such prodigeous rates as they please. Many families formerly well clothed and their houses well furnished are now reduced to rags and all the visible marks of poverty."[8-35]

This unfortunate period was but temporary. With the conclusion of peace English tobacco was dumped upon the European market at a figure so low as to defy competition. And when once the hogsheads began to move, the reaction on Virginia and Maryland was rapid and pronounced. Soon prices rose again to the old levels, and the colony entered upon a period, for the larger planters at least, of unprecedented prosperity.[8-36] But the eight years of hardship and poverty made a lasting imprint upon the poorest class of whites. Coming as they did upon the heels of the first great wave of negro immigration, they accelerated the movement of the disrupting forces already at work. It was not by accident that the largest migration of whites to other settlements occurred just at this[151] time and that the inquiries as to its cause are most frequent. The little planter class never fully recovered from the blow dealt it by the temporary loss of the larger part of the European tobacco trade.

The small freeholders who possessed neither servants nor slaves did not disappear entirely, but they gradually declined in numbers and sank into abject poverty. During the period of Spotswood's administration they still constituted a large part of the population. The tax list for 1716 in Lancaster, one of the older counties, shows that of 314 persons listed as tithables, 202 paid for themselves only.[8-37] Making ample deductions for persons not owning land it would appear that more than half the planters at this date still tilled their fields only with their own labor. At the time of the American Revolution, however, the situation had changed materially, and a decided dwindling of the poor farmer class is noticeable. In Gloucester county the tax lists for 1782-83 show 490 white families, of which 320 were in possession of slaves. Of the 170 heads of families who possessed no negroes, since no doubt some were overseers, some artisans, some professional men, it is probable that not more than eighty or ninety were proprietors.[8-38] In Spotsylvania county similar conditions are noted. Of 704 tithable whites listed in 1783 all save 199 possessed slaves.[8-39] In Dinwiddie county, in the year 1782, of 843 tithable whites, 210 only were not slave holders.[8-40] Apparently the Virginia yeoman, the sturdy, independent farmer of the Seventeenth century, who tilled his little holding with his own hands, had become an insignificant factor in the life of the colony. The glorious promises which the country had held out to him in the first fifty years of its existence had been belied. The Virginia which had formerly been so largely the land of the little farmer, had become the land of masters and slaves. For aught else there was no room.

[152]

Before the end of the Eighteenth century the condition of the poorest class had become pitiable. The French philosopher Chastellux who spent much time in Virginia during the American Revolution testifies to their extreme misery. "It is there that I saw poor persons for the first time since crossing the ocean," he says. "In truth, near these rich plantations, in which the negro alone is unhappy, are often found miserable huts inhabited by whites whose wan faces and ragged garments give testimony to their poverty."[8-41]

Philip Fithian, in his Journal, describes the habits of this class and is vigorous in his condemnation of the brutal fights which were so common among them. "In my opinion animals which seek after and relish such odius and filthy amusements are not of the human species," he says, "they are destitute of the remotest pretension of humanity."[8-42] Even the negroes of the wealthy regarded these persons with contempt, a contempt which they were at no pains to conceal.

The traveller Smyth thought them "kind, hospitable and generous," but "illiberal, noisy and rude," and much "addicted to inebriety and averse to labor." This class, he says, "who ever compose the bulk of mankind, are in Virginia more few in numbers, in proportion to the rest of the inhabitants, than perhaps in any other country in the universe."[8-43]

But it must not be imagined that slavery drove out or ruined the entire class of small farmers, leaving Virginia alone to the wealthy. In fact, most of those who were firmly established remained, finding their salvation in themselves purchasing slaves. Few indeed had been able to avail themselves of the labor of indentured servants; the cost of transportation was too heavy, the term too short, the chances of sickness or desertion too great. But with the influx of thousands of negroes, the more enterprising and industrious of the poor planters quite frequently made purchases. Although the initial outlay[153] was greater, they could secure credit by pledging their farms and their crops, and in the end the investment usually paid handsome dividends and many who could not raise the money to buy a full grown negro, often found it possible to secure a child, which in time would become a valuable asset.

This movement may readily be traced by an examination of the tax lists and county records of the Eighteenth century. In Lancaster even so early as 1716 we find that the bulk of the slaves were in the hands, not of wealthy proprietors, but of comparatively poor persons. Of the 314 taxpayers listed, 113 paid for themselves alone, 94 for two only, 37 for three, 22 for four, thirteen for five, while thirty-five paid for more than five. As there were but few servants in the colony at this time it may be taken for granted that the larger part of the tithables paid for by others were negro slaves. It would seem, then, that of some 200 slave owners in this country, about 165 possessed from one to four negroes only. There were but four persons listed as having more than twenty slaves, William Ball with 22, Madam Fox with 23, William Fox with 25 and Robert Carter with 126.[8-44]

Nor did the class of little slave holders melt away as time passed. In fact they continued to constitute the bulk of the white population of Virginia for a century and a half, from the beginning of the Eighteenth century until the conquest of the State by Federal troops in 1865. Thus we find that of 633 slave owners in Dinwiddie county in 1782, 95 had one only, 66 had two, 71 three, 45 four, 50 five, making an aggregate of 327, or more than half of all the slave holders, who possessed from one to five negroes.[8-45] In Spotsylvania there were, in 1783, 505 slave owners, of whom 78 possessed one each, 54 two, 44 three, 41 four, and 30 five each. Thus 247, or nearly 49 per cent of the slave holders, had from one to five slaves only. One hundred and sixteen, or 23 per cent, had[154] from six to ten inclusive.[8-46] The Gloucester lists for 1783 show similar conditions. There were in this country 320 slave holders, having 3,314 negroes, an average of about 10-1/3 for each owner. Fifty had one each, 41 had two each, 9 had three, 30 had four and twenty-six had five. Thus 156, or about half of all the owners, had from one to five slaves.[8-47] In Princess Anne county, of a total of 388 slave owners, 100 had one each, 56 had two each and forty-five had three each.[8-48]

Records of transfers of land tend to substantiate this testimony, by showing that the average holdings at all times in the Eighteenth century were comparatively small. In the years from 1722 to 1729 Spotsylvania was a new county, just opened to settlers, and a large part of its area had been granted in large tracts to wealthy patentees. Yet the deed book for these years shows that it was actually settled, not by these men themselves, but by a large number of poor planters. Of the 197 transfers of land recorded, 44 were for 100 acres or less and 110 for 300 acres or less. The average deed was for 487 acres. As some of the transfers were obviously made for speculative purposes and not with the intent of putting the land under cultivation, even this figure is misleading. The average farm during the period was probably not in excess of 400 acres. One of the most extensive dealers in land in Spotsylvania was Larkin Chew who secured a patent for a large tract and later broke it up into many small holdings which were sold to new settlers.[8-49]

This substitution of the small slave holder for the man who used only his own labor in the cultivation of his land unquestionably saved the class of small proprietors from destruction. Without it all would have been compelled to give up their holdings in order to seek their fortunes elsewhere, or sink to the condition of "poor white trash." Yet the movement was in many ways unfortunate. It made the poor man less industrious[155] and thrifty. Formerly he had known that he could win nothing except by the sweat of his brow, but now he was inclined to let the negro do the work. Slavery cast a stigma upon labor which proved almost as harmful to the poor white man as did negro competition. Work in the tobacco fields was recognized as distinctly the task of an inferior race, a task not in keeping with the dignity of freemen.

Jefferson states that few indeed of the slave owners were ever seen to work. "For in a warm climate," he adds, "no man will labour for himself who can make another labour for him."[8-50] Chastellux noted the same tendency, declaring "that the indolence and dissipation of the middling and lower classes of white inhabitants of Virginia is such as to give pain to every reflecting mind."[8-51]

Slavery developed in the small farmers a spirit of pride and haughtiness that was unknown to them in the Seventeenth century. Every man, no matter how poor, was surrounded by those to whom he felt himself superior, and this gave him a certain self-esteem. Smyth spoke of the middle class as generous, friendly and hospitable in the extreme, but possessing a rudeness and haughtiness which was the result of their "general intercourse with slaves."[8-52] Beverley described them as haughty and jealous of their liberties, and so impatient of restraint that they could hardly bear the thought of being controlled by any superior power. Hugh Jones, Anbury, Fithian and other Eighteenth century writers all confirm this testimony.

Despite the persistence of the small slave holder it is obvious that there were certain forces at work tending to increase the number of well-to-do and wealthy planters. Now that the labor problem, which in the Seventeenth century had proved so perplexing, had finally been solved, there was no limit to the riches that might be acquired by business acumen,[156] industry and good management. And as in the modern industrial world the large corporation has many advantages over the smaller firms, so in colonial Virginia the most economical way of producing tobacco was upon the large plantations.

The wealthy man had the advantage of buying and selling in bulk, he enjoyed excellent credit and could thus often afford to withhold his crop from the market when prices were momentarily unfavorable, he could secure the best agricultural instruments. Most important of all, however, was the fact that he could utilize the resources of his plantation for the production of crude manufactured supplies, thus to a certain extent freeing himself from dependence upon British imports and keeping his slaves at work during all seasons of the year. Before the Eighteenth century had reached its fifth decade every large plantation had become to a remarkable degree self-sustaining. Each numbered among its working force various kinds of mechanics—coopers, blacksmiths, tanners, carpenters, shoemakers, distillers. These men could be set to work whenever the claims of the tobacco crop upon their time were not imperative producing many of the coarser articles required upon the plantation, articles which the poor farmer had to import from England. For this work white men were at first almost universally made use of, but in time their places were taken by slaves. "Several of them are taught to be sawyers, carpenters, smiths, coopers, &c.," says the historian Hugh Jones, "though for the most part they be none of the aptest or nicest."[8-53]

The carpenter was kept busy constructing barns and servants' quarters, or repairing stables, fences, gates and wagons. The blacksmith was called upon to shoe horses, to keep in order ploughs, hinges, sickles, saws, perhaps even to forge outright such rough iron ware as nails, chains and hoes. The[157] cooper made casks in which to ship the tobacco crop, barrels for flour and vats for brandy and cider. The tanner prepared leather for the plantation and the cobbler fashioned it into shoes for the slaves. Sometimes there were spinners, weavers and knitters who made coarse cloth both for clothing and for bedding. The distiller every season made an abundant supply of cider, as well as apple, peach and persimmon brandy.

And the plantation itself provided the materials for this varied manufacture. The woods of pine, chestnut and oak yielded timber for houses and fuel for the smithy. The herd of cattle supplied hides for the tanner. The cloth makers got cotton, flax and hemp from the planter's own fields, and wool from his sheep. His orchard furnished apples, grapes, peaches in quantities ample for all the needs of the distiller. In other words, the large planter could utilize advantageously the resources at hand in a manner impossible for his neighbor who could boast of but a small farm and half a score of slaves.[8-54]

It was inevitable, then, that the widespread use of slave labor would result in the gradual multiplication of well-to-do and wealthy men. In the Seventeenth century not one planter in fifty could be classed as a man of wealth, and even so late as 1704 the number of the well-to-do was very narrowly limited. In a report to the Lords of Trade written in that year Colonel Quary stated that upon each of the four great rivers of Virginia there resided from "ten to thirty men who by trade and industry had gotten very competent estates."[8-55] Fifty years later the number had multiplied several times over.

Thus in Gloucester county in 1783, of 320 slave holders no less than 57 had sixteen or more. Of these one possessed 162, one 138, one 93, one 86, one 63, one 58, two 57, one 56, one 43 and one 40.[8-56] In Spotsylvania, of 505 owners, 76 had sixteen or more. Of these Mann Page, Esq., had 157, Mrs. Mary Daingerfield had 71, William Daingerfield 61, Alexander[158] Spotswood 60, William Jackson 49, George Stubblefield 42, Frances Marewither 40, William Jones 39.[8-57]

The Dinwiddie tax lists for 1783 show that of 633 slave holders, no less than 60 had twenty-one or more negroes. Among the more important of these were Robert Turnbull with 81, Colonel John Banister with 88, Colonel William Diggs with 72, John Jones with 69, Mrs. Mary Bolling with 51, Robert Walker with 52, Winfield Mason with 40, John Burwell with 42, Gray Briggs with 43, William Yates with 55, Richard Taliaferro with 43, Major Thomas Scott with 57, Francis Muir with 47.[8-58] The wealth of the larger planters is also shown by the large number of coaches recorded in these lists, which including phaetons, chariots and chairs, aggregated 180 wheels.

Thus it was that the doors of opportunity opened wide to the enterprising and industrious of the middle class, and many availed themselves of it to acquire both wealth and influence. Smyth tells us that at the close of the colonial period there were many planters whose fortunes were "superior to some of the first rank," but whose families were "not so ancient nor respectable."[8-59] It was the observation of Anbury that gentlemen of good estates were more numerous in Virginia than in any other province of America.[8-60]

In fact the Eighteenth century was the golden age of the Virginia slave holders. It was then that they built the handsome homes once so numerous in the older counties, many of which still remain as interesting monuments of former days; it was then that they surrounded themselves with graceful furniture and costly silverware, in large part imported from Great Britain; it was then that they collected paintings and filled their libraries with the works of standard writers; it was then that they purchased coaches and berlins; it was[159] then that men and women alike wore rich and expensive clothing.

This movement tended to widen the influence of the aristocracy and at the same time to eliminate any sharp line of demarkation between it and the small slave holders. There was now only a gradual descent from the wealthiest to the poor man who had but one slave. The Spotsylvania tax lists for 1783 show 247 slaveholders owning from one to five negroes, 116 owning from six to ten inclusive, 66 owning from eleven to fifteen inclusive, and seventy-six owning more than fifteen.[8-61] In Gloucester 156 had from one to five slaves, 66 from five to ten inclusive, 41 from eleven to fifteen inclusive, and fifty-seven over fifteen. Thus in a very true sense the old servant holding aristocracy had given way to a vastly larger slave holding aristocracy.

It is this fact which explains the decline in power and influence of the Council in Virginia, which was so notable in the Eighteenth century. This body had formerly been representative of a small clique of families so distinct from the other planters and possessed of such power in the government as to rival the nobility of England itself. Now, however, as this distinction disappeared, the Council sank in prestige because it represented nothing, while the House of Burgesses became the mouthpiece of the entire slave holding class, and thus the real power in the colonial Government.

Historians have often expressed surprise at the small number of Tories in Virginia during the American Revolution. The aristocratic type of society would naturally lead one to suppose that a large proportion of the leading families would have remained loyal to the Crown. Yet with very few exceptions all supported the cause of freedom and independence, even though conscious of the fact that by so doing they were jeopardizing not only the tobacco trade which was the basis[160] of their wealth, but the remnants of their social and political privileges in the colony. When the British Ministry tried to wring from the hands of the Assembly the all-important control over taxation which all knew to be the very foundation of colonial self-government, every planter, the largest as well as the smallest, felt himself aggrieved, for this body was the depository of his power and the guardian of his interests. A hundred years before, when the commons rose against the oppression and tyranny of the Government, the wealthy men rallied to the support of Sir William Berkeley and remained loyal to him throughout all his troubles. In 1775 there was no such division of the people; the planters were almost a unit in the defense of rights which all held in common.

It is obvious, then, that slavery worked a profound revolution in the social, economic and political life of the colony. It practically destroyed the Virginia yeomanry, the class of small planters who used neither negroes nor servants in the cultivation of their fields, the class which produced the bulk of the tobacco during the Seventeenth century and constituted the chief strength of the colony. Some it drove into exile, either to the remote frontiers or to other colonies; some it reduced to extreme poverty; some it caused to purchase slaves and so at one step to enter the exclusive class of those who had others to labor for them. Thus it transformed Virginia from a land of hardworking, independent peasants, to a land of slaves and slave holders. The small freeholder was not destroyed, as was his prototype of ancient Rome, but he was subjected to a change which was by no means fortunate or wholesome. The wealthy class, which had formerly consisted of a narrow clique closely knit together by family ties, was transformed into a numerous body, while all sharp line of demarkation between it and the poorer slave holders was wiped out. In short, the Virginia of the Eighteenth century, the[161] Virginia of Gooch and Dinwiddie and Washington and Jefferson, was fundamentally different from the Virginia of the Seventeenth century, the Virginia of Sir William Berkeley and Nathaniel Bacon. Slavery had wrought within the borders of the Old Dominion a profound and far reaching revolution.


[162]

NOTES TO CHAPTERS

NOTES TO CHAPTER I

[1-1] Peter Force, Tracts and Other Papers, Vol. III, A True Declaration, p. 25.

[1-2] Purchas, Vol. XVIII, pp. 437-438.

[1-3] Peter Force, Tracts and Other Papers, Vol. III, A True Declaration, p. 23.

[1-4] Alexander Brown, The Genesis of the United States, Vol. I, p. 37.

[1-5] Peter Force, Tracts and Other Papers, Vol. I, Nova Brittania, pp. 21-22.

[1-6] Hakluyt, Discourse, pp. 89-90.

[1-7] Hakluyt, Discourse, p. 105.

[1-8] Hakluyt, Discourse, p. 31.

[1-9] Hakluyt, Discourse, pp. 14-15.

[1-10] Alexander Brown, The First Republic in America, p. 49.

[1-11] Alexander Brown, The Genesis of the United States, Vol. I, p. 349; Peter Force, Tracts and Other Papers, Vol. I, Nova Brittania, pp. 16-17.

[1-12] Alexander Brown, The Genesis of the United States, Vol. I, p. 239.

[1-13] Alexander Brown, The Genesis of the United States, Vol. I, p. 202.

[1-14] P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. II, p. 445.

[1-15] Neill, The Virginia Company of London, p. 338.

[1-16] Randolph Manuscript, p. 212.

[1-17] P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. II, p. 440; Alexander Brown, The Genesis of the United States, Vol. I, p. 239.

[1-18] P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. II, p. 441.

[1-19] P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. II, p. 443.

NOTES TO CHAPTER II

[2-1] P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. I, p. 161; Alexander Brown, The First Republic in America, p. 232.

[2-2] William Strachey, Historie of Travaile into Virginia Britannia, p. 121; P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. I, p. 162.

[163]

[2-3] Ralph Hamor, True Discourse, pp. 24, 34.

[2-4] G. L. Beer, The Origins of the British Colonial System, p. 79.

[2-5] Edward Arber, The Works of Captain John Smith, p. 535.

[2-6] Alexander Brown, The First Republic in America, p. 268.

[2-7] G. L. Beer, The Origins of the British Colonial System, p. 87.

[2-8] G. L. Beer, The Origins of the British Colonial System, p. 81.

[2-9] Alexander Brown, The First Republic in America, p. 268.

[2-10] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. IX, pp. 40-41.

[2-11] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. IX, pp. 176-177.

[2-12] P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. II, p. 416.

[2-13] Alexander Brown, The Genesis of the United States, Vol. I, pp. 355-356.

[2-14] The lack of towns in Virginia was a source of great regret to the English Government, and more than once attempts were made to create them by artificial means.

[2-15] Even at the end of the Seventeenth century the average price for land in the older counties was about thirty pounds of tobacco an acre.

[2-16] P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. I, p. 578; Vol. II, p. 48.

[2-17] It was Chanco, an Indian boy living with a Mr. Pace, who revealed the plot to massacre the whites in 1622, and so saved the colony from destruction. Edward Arber, The Works of Captain John Smith, p. 578.

[2-18] P. A. Bruce, The Economic History of Virginia, Vol. II, p. 70.

[2-19] For a full discussion of this matter see p.—.

[2-20] Hakluyt, Vol. VII, p. 286.

[2-21] P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. I, p. 582.

[2-22] Abstracts of Proceedings of Virginia Company of London, Vol. I, pp. 28, 172; Edward Arber, The Works of Captain John Smith, p. 609.

[2-23] Hening, Statutes at Large, Vol. II, p. 510.

[2-24] P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. I, p. 603.

[2-25] P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. I, p. 605.

[2-26] Virginia Land Patents, Vol. V, Register of Land Office, Virginia State Capitol.

[2-27] Hening, Statutes at Large, Vol. II, p. 510.

[2-28] P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. I, p. 611.

[164]

[2-29] British Public Record Office, CO1-26-77, Berkeley to the Board of Trade.

[2-30] Peter Force, Tracts and Other Papers, Vol. III, Orders and Constitutions, 1619, 1620, p. 22.

[2-31] Virginia Land Patents, Register of Land Office, Virginia State Capitol.

[2-32] Calendar of State Papers, Colonial Series, 1574-1660, p. 208.

[2-33] Princeton Transcripts, Virginia Land Patents, Princeton University Library.

[2-34] Virginia Land Patents, Register of Land Office, Virginia State Capitol.

NOTES TO CHAPTER III

[3-1] L. G. Tyler, Narratives of Early Virginia, pp. 21-22.

[3-2] Abstracts of Proceedings of Virginia Company of London, Vol. II, p. 171.

[3-3] British Public Record Office, CO1-26-77, Berkeley to Board of Trade.

[3-4] Hening, Statutes at Large, Vol. I, p. 257.

[3-5] Hening, Statutes at Large, Vol. I, p. 411.

[3-6] Hening, Statutes at Large, Vol. I, p. 539.

[3-7] British Public Record Office, CO1-26-77, Berkeley to Board of Trade.

[3-8] Virginia Land Patents, Register of Land Office, Virginia State Capitol.

[3-9] P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. I, p. 595.

[3-10] J. C. Hotten, Original Lists of Emigrants to America (1600-1700).

[3-11] Peter Force, Tracts and Other Papers, Vol. II, New Description of Virginia, p. 3.

[3-12] British Public Record Office, CO1-26-77, Berkeley to Board of Trade.

[3-13] British Public Record Office, CO5-1359, p. 119, Colonial Entry Book, Governor Andros to the Lords of Trade.

[3-14] E. D. Neill, Virginia Vetusta, p. 123.

[3-15] Hugh Jones, Present State of Virginia, p. 61.

[3-16] Surry County Records, 1684-1686, Virginia State Library.

[3-17] York County Records, 1696-1701, Virginia State Library.

[3-18] Rappahannock County Deeds, 1680-1688, Virginia State Library.

[3-19] Essex County, Orders, Deeds, Etc., 1692-1695, Virginia State Library.

[165]

[3-20] J. C. Hotten, Original Lists of Emigrants to America, pp. 266-275.

[3-21] P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. I, pp. 529-532.

[3-22] Virginia Land Patents, Register of Land Office, Virginia State Capitol.

[3-23] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. I, p. 30.

[3-24] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. XII, p. 387.

[3-25] Virginia Land Patents, Register of Land Office, Virginia State Capitol.

[3-26] Virginia Land Patents, Register of Land Office, Virginia State Capitol.

[3-27] Essex County, Orders, Deeds, Etc., 1692-1695, Virginia State Library.

[3-28] Surry County Records, 1645-1672, p. 17.

[3-29] Essex County, Orders, Deeds, Etc., 1692-1695, p. 348, Virginia State Library.

[3-30] Virginia Land Patents, Register of Land Office, Virginia State Capitol, Vol. V.

[3-31] Essex County, Orders, Deeds, Etc., 1692-1695, pp. 199, 202, 205, 209, 216, 348, 394, 407, 413, Virginia State Library.

[3-32] H. R. McIlwaine, Journals of the House of Burgesses, 1686, p. 37.

[3-33] British Public Record Office, CO5-1359, pp. 91-92, Colonial Entry Book.

[3-34] British Public Record Office, CO5-1306, Document 116, Correspondence of the Board of Trade.

[3-35] British Public Record Office, CO5-1355, p. 361, Colonial Entry Book.

[3-36] British Public Record Office, CO5-1359, pp. 91-92, Colonial Entry Book.

[3-37] British Public Record Office, CO5-1405, p. 460, Council Minutes, 1680-1695.

[3-38] British Public Record Office, CO5-1405, pp. 544-545, Council Minutes, 1680-1695.

[3-39] British Public Record Office, CO5-1359, p. 345, Colonial Entry Book, 1696-1700.

[3-40] British Public Record Office, CO5-1339, Document 33V. Correspondence of the Board of Trade.

[3-41] British Public Record Office, CO5-1314, Document 63VIII, Correspondence of the Board of Trade. A copy of this interesting[166] document is published as an appendix to this volume.

[3-42] See appendix.

[3-43] See appendix.

[3-44] Of this land 15 acres belonged to Thomas Jefferson, probably the grandfather of President Jefferson.

[3-45] In the opening years of the Eighteenth century the increased importation of slaves brought about an immediate decline in the migration of whites to Virginia from England.

[3-46] Hening, Statutes at Large, Vol. II, p. 480. The laws governing the tithables were altered slightly from time to time.

[3-47] Surry County, Wills, Deeds, Etc., 1671-1684, pp. 134-138, Virginia State Library.

[3-48] Surry County, Wills, Deeds, Etc., 1671-1684, pp. 134-138, Virginia State Library.

[3-49] Surry County, Deeds, Wills, Etc., 1684-1686, pp. 59-63, Virginia State Library.

[3-50] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. I, pp. 364-373.

[3-51] Prince George county was formed out of Charles City in 1703.

[3-52] Surry County, Wills, Deeds, Etc., 1671-1684; Surry County, Deeds, Wills, Etc., 1684-1686, Virginia State Library.

[3-53] Elizabeth City County Records, 1684-1699, Virginia State Library.

NOTES TO CHAPTER IV

[4-1] William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. VIII, p. 273.

[4-2] William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. VIII, p. 273.

[4-3] P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. II, p. 42.

[4-4] Robert Beverley, History of Virginia, p. 221.

[4-5] Peter Force, Tracts and Other Papers, Vol. III, Leah and Rachel, p. 11.

[4-6] William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. XXVI, p. 31.

[4-7] Peter Force, Tracts and Other Papers, Vol. III, Leah and Rachel, p. 11.

[4-8] In fact, it was stated by John Hammond in 1656 that many servants acquired considerable property even before the expiration of their indentures. "Those servants that will be industrious may in their time of service gain a competent estate before their Freedomes," he says, "which is usually done by many, and they gaine esteeme and assistance that appear so industrious:[167] There is no master almost but will allow his Servant a parcell of clear ground to plant some tobacco in for himselfe, which he may husband at those many idle times he hath allowed him and not prejudice, but rejoyce his Master to see it, which in time of Shipping he may lay out for commodities, and in Summer sell them again with advantage, and get a Sow-Pig or two, which any body almost will give him, and his Master suffer him to keep them with his own, which will be no charge to his Master, and with one year's increase of them may purchase a Cow calf or two, and by that time he is for himself; he may have Cattle, Hogs and Tobacco of his own, and come to live gallantly; but this must be gained (as I said) by Industry and affability, not by sloth nor churlish behaviour." Peter Force, Tracts and Other Papers, Vol. III, Leah and Rachel, p. 14.

[4-9] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. IV, p. 157.

[4-10] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. VII, p. 262.

[4-11] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. VII, p. 261.

[4-12] R. L. Beer, Origins of the British Colonial System, p. 154.

[4-13] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. VIII, p. 160.

[4-14] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. XIII, p. 381.

[4-15] Peter Force, Tracts and Other Papers, Vol. II, New Description of Virginia, pp. 4-6.

[4-16] British Public Record Office, CO1-21, Secretary Ludwell to Lord John Berkeley.

[4-17] Alexander Brown, The First Republic in America, p. 268.

[4-18] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. VII, p. 267, King Charles I to the Governor and Council of Virginia.

[4-19] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. I, p. 293.

[4-20] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. VI, p. 376.

[4-21] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. II, p. 53.

[4-22] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. II, p. 394.

[4-23] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. VI, p. 260.

[4-24] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. VII, p. 382.

[4-25] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. VIII, p. 149.

[168]

[4-26] Governor Yeardley's Instructions of 1626 contain the statement that "tobacco falleth every day more and more to a baser price."

[4-27] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. VII, p. 376.

[4-28] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. VIII, p. 159.

[4-29] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. IX, p. 177.

[4-30] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. X, p. 425.

[4-31] G. L. Beer, Origins of the British Colonial System, p. 159.

[4-32] Peter Force, Tracts and Other Papers, Vol. II, New Description of Virginia, p. 4.

[4-33] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. VIII, p. 150.

[4-34] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. II, p. 288. In Feb. 1627, orders were issued once more that all colonial tobacco, whether of Virginia or of the West Indies, should be shipped only to London. Calendar of State Papers, 1574-1660, p. 84.

[4-35] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. VIII, pp. 149, 155.

[4-36] British Public Record Office, CO1-12, Petition of Jan. 2, 1655.

[4-37] P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. I, pp. 349-356.

[4-38] G. L. Beer, Origins of the British Colonial System, pp. 203-204.

[4-39] G. L. Beer, Origins of the British Colonial System, p. 216.

[4-40] The author of A New Description of Virginia, published in 1649, states that "in Tobacco they can make L20 sterling a man, at 3d a pound per annum." Peter Force, Tracts and Other Papers, Vol. II, New Description of Virginia, p. 6.

[4-41] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. VII, p. 382.

[4-42] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. VIII, p. 149, Vol. II, p. 53, Vol. VII, p. 259.

[4-43] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. VII, p. 260.

[4-44] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. VIII, p. 158.

[169]

[4-45] Abstracts of Proceedings of Virginia Company of London, Vol. I, pp. 41-42.

[4-46] J. C. Hotten, Original Lists of Emigrants to America, pp. 201-265.

[4-47] Colonial Virginia Register, pp. 54-55.

[4-48] Peter Force, Tracts and Other Papers, Vol. III, p. 16.

[4-49] Colonial Virginia Register, pp. 68-69.

[4-50] Virginia Land Patents, Register of Land Office, Virginia State Capitol.

[4-51] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. II, p. 420.

[4-52] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. II, p. 421; Vol. IV, p. 75.

[4-53] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. I, p. 77.

[4-54] W. A. Crozier, Virginia County Records, Vol. VI, pp. 15-18.

[4-55] W. A. Crozier, Virginia County Records, Vol. VI, p. 56.

[4-56] Virginia Land Patents, Register of Land Office, Virginia State Capitol.

[4-57] William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. XI, p. 271.

[4-58] William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. XI, p. 276.

[4-59] William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. XI, pp. 271-276.

[4-60] Virginia Colonial Register, pp. 64, 68, 70.

[4-61] William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. IX, p. 72.

[4-62] Virginia Land Patents, Vol. V, p. 224, Register of Land Office, Virginia State Capitol.

[4-63] W. A. Crozier, Virginia County Records, New Series Vol. I, p. 4.

[4-64] W. A. Crozier, Virginia County Records, Vol. VI, pp. 83, 84, 125, 126.

[4-65] W. A. Crozier, Virginia County Records, Vol. VII, p. 5.

[4-66] W. A. Crozier, Virginia County Records, Vol. VI, p. 78.

[4-67] W. A. Crozier, Virginia County Records, Vol. VI, pp. 77, 191, 281.

[4-68] W. A. Crozier, Virginia County Records, Vol. VI, p. 122.

[4-69] W. A. Crozier, Virginia County Records, Vol. VI, p. 192.

[4-70] W. A. Crozier, Virginia County Records, Vol. VI, p. 76.

[4-71] William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. IX, p. 144.

[4-72] William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. IX, p. 144.

[4-73] William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. XI, p. 276.

[4-74] Virginia Land Patents, Vol. III, Register of Land Office, Virginia State Capitol. The name is here spelled John Blackborne.

[4-75] Virginia Land Patents, Vol. III, Register of Land Office,[170] Virginia State Capitol. On the lists the name is spelled William Butcher.

[4-76] J. C. Wise, The Early History of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, pp. 135-137.

[4-77] Virginia Land Patents, Vol. IV, Register of Land Office, Virginia State Capitol.

[4-78] J. C. Wise, The Early History of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, p. 95.

[4-79] G. C. Greer, Early Virginia Immigrants, p. 68.

[4-80] J. C. Wise, The Early History of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, p. 376.

[4-81] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. V, p. 101.

[4-82] W. A. Crozier, Virginia County Records, Vol. VII, p. 177.

[4-83] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. VI, p. 92.

[4-84] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. VI, p. 298.

[4-85] In 1656 John Hammond declared that though it cost six pounds sterling to go to Virginia, those who decided to make the venture could be sure that their money was well spent. He advised "any that goes over free, but in a mean condition, to hire himself for reasonable wages of Tobacco and Provision, the first year," for by that means he could live free of disbursement, and "have something to help him the next year." Peter Force, Tracts and Other Papers, Vol. III, Leah and Rachel, p. 14.

[4-86] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. VIII, p. 441.

[4-87] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. IX, p. 27.

[4-88] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. X, p. 271.

NOTES TO CHAPTER V

[5-1] G. L. Beer, The Old Colonial System, Vol. II, p. 109.

[5-2] British Public Record Office, CO5-1315, Document 26, Correspondence of the Board of Trade.

[5-3] P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. I, p. 401.

[5-4] R. L. Beer, The Old Colonial System, Vol. I, p. 160.

[5-5] British Public Record Office, CO5-1316, Perry and Hyde to the Lords of Trade, Correspondence of the Board of Trade.

[5-6] British Public Record Office, CO5-1316, The Present State of the Tobacco Plantations in America, Correspondence of the Board of Trade.

[5-7] British Public Record Office, CO5-1316, Correspondence of the Board of Trade; Statutes of the Realm, Vol. IX, p. 917.

[171]

[5-8] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. I, pp. 141-155.

[5-9] British Public Record Office, CO1-16, Petition of Berkeley and Others, Aug. 26, 1662.

[5-10] British Public Record Office, CO1-20, Thomas Ludwell to Secretary Arlington, May 1, 1666.

[5-11] British Public Record Office, CO1-20, Sir William Berkeley and others to Secretary Arlington, July 13, 1666.

[5-12] British Public Record Office, CO1-20, Sir William Berkeley and others to Secretary Arlington, July 13, 1666.

[5-13] British Public Record Office, CO1-21, Thomas Ludwell to Lord Arlington, Feb. 12, 1667.

[5-14] British Public Record Office, CO1-21, Thomas Ludwell to Lord John Berkeley.

[5-15] British Public Record Office, CO1-23, p. 19, Ludwell to Lord Arlington.

[5-16] British Public Record Office, CO1-21, Governor and Council to the King.

[5-17] British Public Record Office, CO1-30, p. 51, Petition of the Governor and Council.

[5-18] British Public Record Office, CO5-1356, p. 408, Report of the Council to the King.

[5-19] British Public Record Office, CO5-1355, p. 385, Colonial Entry Book.

[5-20] British Public Record Office, CO1-23, p. 19, Ludwell to Lord Arlington, July 20, 1665.

[5-21] British Public Record Office, CO5-1371, p. 246, Colonial Entry Book.

[5-22] British Public Record Office, CO5-1371, pp. 232-240, Dialogue Between John Good and Nathaniel Bacon, Colonial Entry Book, 1677.

[5-23] British Public Record Office, CO1-30, p. 51, Petition of the Governor and Council to the King, July 1673.

[5-24] British Public Record Office, CO5-1355, p. 410, Colonial Entry Book.

[5-25] British Public Record Office, CO5-1356, p. 179, Colonial Entry Book.

[5-26] G. L. Beer, The Old Colonial System, Vol. II, p. 147.

[5-27] British Public Record Office, CO5-1371, p. 276, Colonial Entry Book.

[5-28] British Public Record Office, CO5-1371, p. 276, Colonial Entry Book.

[172]

[5-29] This view of the matter has the support of the dean of Virginia historians, Dr. Philip Alexander Bruce. Dr. Bruce writes: "No less an authority than Robert Beverley, the historian, states that the Navigation Acts had a sensible influence in precipitating Bacon's Rebellion. In the early life of this writer he must have been closely associated with hundreds of people who had been through the uprising, and knew much, by direct observation, of the currents that governed it. The elder Beverley was thoroughly informed and thus, in his own home, the son had the best of opportunities of learning the truth. Beverley himself declared that the Acts were causing discontent among the people, long before the Rebellion actually occurred, and so did John Bland in his memorable petition. There is no doubt that the Acts, by keeping alive a sense of friction, left the people in just the state of mind to seize with eagerness on the more palpable wrongs which were specifically brought forward as the justification for resistance. It was really the groundwork of the movement, though if it had been the only cause, might not have precipitated open resistance to the Government."

[5-30] G. L. Beer, The Old Colonial System, Vol. II, p. 115.

[5-31] Secretary Thomas Ludwell in a long report to the British Government spoke of the Virginia Government as Berkeley's own, "Which I so term," he explains, "because he is the sole author of the most substantial parts of it, either for Lawes or other inferior institutions." British Public Record Office, CO1-20.

[5-32] British Museum, Egerton Manuscript, 2395, f. 356b.

[5-33] British Public Record Office, CO1-19, Berkeley to Lord Arlington, Aug. 1, 1665.

[5-34] P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. I, pp. 399-400.

[5-35] British Public Record Office, CO1-26-77, Berkeley to the Board of Trade.

[5-36] British Public Record Office, CO1-30-78, Memorial of John Knight, Oct. 29, 1673.

[5-37] British Public Record Office, CO1-30-71, Council of Virginia to the King, 1673.

[5-38] Peter Force, Tracts and Other Papers, Vol. II, New Description of Virginia, pp. 1-16.

[5-39] British Museum, Egerton Manuscript, 2395, f. 356b, A Discourse and View of Virginia.

[5-40] British Public Record Office, CO1-26-77, Berkeley to the Board of Trade.

[173]

[5-41] British Public Record Office, CO1-34-95, Petition of Francis Moryson, Thomas Ludwell and Robert Smith.

[5-42] Virginia Land Patents, Register of Land Office, Virginia State Capitol.

[5-43] British Public Record Office, CO5-1359, pp. 20, 21, 22, Colonial Entry Book.

NOTES TO CHAPTER VI

[6-1] Peter Force, Tracts and Other Papers, Vol. II, New Description of Virginia, p. 3.

[6-2] British Public Record Office, CO1-30, pp. 17, 51.

[6-3] Surry County Wills, Deeds, Etc. 1671-1624, Virginia State Library.

[6-4] Surry County Wills, Deeds, Etc. 1684-1686, pp. 34-35, Virginia State Library.

[6-5] Surry County Wills, Deeds, Etc. 1684-1686, pp. 86-87, Virginia State Library.

[6-6] P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. II, p. 199.

[6-7] Peter Force, Tracts and Other Papers, Vol. II, New Description of Virginia, p. 3.

[6-8] P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. II, p. 200.

[6-9] Peter Force, Tracts and Other Papers, Vol. II, New Description of Virginia, p. 3.

[6-10] Peter Force, Tracts and Other Papers, Vol. II, New Description of Virginia, p. 18.

[6-11] Peter Force, Tracts and Other Papers, Vol. II, New Description of Virginia, p. 15.

[6-12] P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. II, p. 201.

[6-13] Peter Force, Tracts and Other Papers, Vol. III, Leah and Rachel, p. 13.

[6-14] British Public Record Office, CO5-1316, Statement of Mr. Perry and Captain Hyde, Correspondence of the Board of Trade.

[6-15] Peter Force, Tracts and Other Papers, Vol. III, Virginia Richly Valued, p. 10.

[6-16] Peter Force, Tracts and Other Papers, Vol. II, New Albion, p. 32.

[6-17] Peter Force, Tracts and Other Papers, Vol. III, Leah and Rachel, p. 18.

[6-18] Peter Force, Tracts and Other Papers, Vol. II, New Description of Virginia, p. 7.

[6-19] Abstracts of Proceedings of the Virginia Company of London, Vol. II, p. 171.

[174]

[6-20] P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. II, p. 153.

[6-21] P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. II, pp. 160-161.

[6-22] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. V, p. 285.

[6-23] Surry County Wills, Deeds, Etc. 1684-1686, p. 7, Virginia State Library.

[6-24] Surry County Wills, Deeds, Etc. 1684-1686, pp. 34-35, Virginia State Library.

[6-25] Surry County Wills, Deeds, Etc. 1684-1686, pp. 86-87, Virginia State Library.

[6-26] Surry County Wills, Deeds, Etc. 1671-1684, Virginia State Library.

[6-27] John Splitimber paid for himself alone in the tithable lists of 1675.

[6-28] York County Records, 1694-1702, Virginia State Library.

[6-29] Peter Force, Tracts and Other Papers, Vol. II, New Description of Virginia, p. 15.

[6-30] Peter Force, Tracts and Other Papers, Vol. II, New Description of Virginia, p. 14.

[6-31] British Public Record Office, CO5-1371, p. 241.

[6-32] "I would have all men consider how meanly we are provided of men of learning, ability and courage, nay indeed of honesty, to stand up in the people's behalf and oppose the oppressing party," said Nathaniel Bacon in 1676. British Public Record Office, CO5-1371, p. 246.

[6-33] The most notable case of betrayal is that of Isaac Allerton, who sold himself to the Governor for the promise of a seat in the Council of State. British Public Record Office, CO5-1356, pp. 125-126, Colonial Entry Book.

[6-34] British Public Record Office, CO1-4.

[6-35] P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. I, pp. 287-288.

[6-36] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. X, p. 271.

[6-37] British Public Record Office, CO1-8, p. 48.

[6-38] British Public Record Office, CO1-8.

[6-39] Hening, Statutes at Large, Vol. I, pp. 360-361.

[6-40] Hening, Statutes at Large, Vol. I, p. 361.

[6-41] Hening, Statutes at Large, Vol. I, p. 355.

[6-42] Hening, Statutes at Large, Vol. I, p. 363.

[6-43] Sixth Report of Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts, Part I, Instructions to Sir George Ayscue, Sept. 26, 1651.

[6-44] The commissioners were Capt. Robert Dennis, Richard Bennett,[175] Thomas Stegge and Captain William Claiborne, all of whom with the exception of Dennis were Virginians.

[6-45] Hening, Statutes at Large, Vol. I, pp. 371, 373.

[6-46] Southern Literary Messanger, Jan. 1845; Charles Campbell, History of Virginia, p. 74.

[6-47] Southern Literary Messanger, Jan. 1845.

[6-48] British Public Record Office, CO5-1371, p. 387, Colonial Entry Book.

NOTES TO CHAPTER VII

[7-1] British Public Record Office, CO5-1356, p. 104, Colonial Entry Book.

[7-2] G. L. Beer, The Old Colonial System, Vol. I, p. 40.

[7-3] British Public Record Office, CO5-1305, Document 23, Correspondence of the Board of Trade.

[7-4] British Public Record Office, CO5-1345, Document 16, Correspondence of the Secretary of State.

[7-5] G. L. Beer, The Old Colonial System, Vol. I, p. 42.

[7-6] Calendar of State Papers, Colonial Series, 1702.

[7-7] British Public Record Office, CO5-1355, pp. 381-385, Colonial Entry Book.

[7-8] G. L. Beer, The Old Colonial System, Vol. I, p. 168.

[7-9] British Public Record Office, CO5-1315, Document 16, Correspondence of the Board of Trade.

[7-10] British Public Record Office, CO5-1315, Document 91.

[7-11] British Public Record Office, CO5-1345, Document 16, John Linton to the Board of Trade, Correspondence of the Secretary of State.

[7-12] British Public Record Office, CO5-1315, Report of John Linton on the Tobacco Trade, Correspondence of the Board of Trade.

[7-13] British Public Record Office, CO5-1345, Document 16, Correspondence of the Secretary of State.

[7-14] British Public Record Office, CO5-1315, Document 26, Correspondence of the Board of Trade.

[7-15] British Public Record Office, CO5-1315, Document 26, Correspondence of the Board of Trade.

[7-16] British Public Record Office, CO5-1316, Correspondence of the Board of Trade.

[7-17] British Public Record Office, CO5-1340, Document 91, Col. Quary's Memorial.

[176]

[7-18] R. L. Beer, The Old Colonial System, Vol. I, p. 42.

[7-19] British Public Record Office, CO5-1316, Correspondence of the Board of Trade; CO5-1360, p. 233, Governor Nicholson to the Lords of Trade.

[7-20] British Public Record Office, CO5-1315, Document 91, Col. Quary's Memorial.

[7-21] British Public Record Office, CO5-1315, Correspondence of the Board of Trade, Letter of Col. Quary Sept. 1, 1706.

[7-22] Princeton Transcripts, Virginia Land Patents, Princeton University Library.

[7-23] British Public Record Office, CO5-1359, pp. 107-108, Colonial Entry Book. In 1699 Gov. Nicholson stated that Orinoco was bringing 20 shillings the hundredweight and Sweetscented 25 shillings and up, which he considered an unusually good return. British Public Record Office, CO5-1359, p. 322.

[7-24] P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. II, p. 66.

[7-25] J. C. Hotten, Original Lists of Emigrants to America, pp. 202-265.

[7-26] P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. II, p. 89.

[7-27] Peter Force, Tracts and Other Papers, Vol. II, New Description of Virginia, p. 3.

[7-28] British Public Record Office, CO1-26-77, Berkeley to the Board of Trade.

[7-29] British Public Record Office, CO5-1355, p. 345, Lord Culpeper's account of his compliance with the King's instructions, Dec. 1681.

[7-30] P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. II, p. 75.

[7-31] P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. II, p. 75.

[7-32] British Public Record Office, CO1-26-77, Berkeley to the Board of Trade.

[7-33] G. L. Beer, The Old Colonial System, Vol. I, p. 323.

[7-34] G. L. Beer, The Old Colonial System, Vol. I, pp. 324-325.

[7-35] York County Records, 1664-1672, Virginia State Library.

[7-36] York County Records, 1694-1702, Virginia State Library.

[7-37] Henrico Records, 1677-1692, Virginia State Library.

[7-38] York County Records, 1694-1697, Virginia State Library.

[7-39] British Public Record Office, CO5-1317, Correspondence of the Board of Trade.

[7-40] British Public Record Office, CO5-1317, Correspondence of the Board of Trade.

[7-41] British Public Record Office, CO5-1406, Minutes of the[177] Council March 21, 1710, CO5-1363, pp. 189-191, Colonial Entry Book.

[7-42] British Public Record Office, CO5-1322, Governor Gooch to the Lords of Trade, Sept. 14, 1730; Feb. 12, 1731.

[7-43] British Public Record Office, CO5-1363, pp. 317-324, Colonial Entry Book.

[7-44] British Public Record Office, CO5-1362, pp. 369-373, Colonial Entry Book.

[7-45] P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. II, p. 83.

[7-46] Princeton Transcripts, Virginia Land Patents, Princeton University Library.

[7-47] P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. II, p. 108.

[7-48] British Public Record Office, CO5-1316, Correspondence of the Board of Trade.

[7-49] British Public Record Office, CO5-1314, Document 66, Governor Nott to the Board of Trade.

[7-50] British Public Record Office, CO5-1362, pp. 365-367, Colonial Entry Book.

[7-51] British Public Record Office, CO5-1362, pp. 365-367, Colonial Entry Book.

[7-52] During these years the planters were too impoverished to purchase slaves. The decline in the tobacco trade produced a feeling among the people that the colony had been overstocked with blacks.

[7-53] British Public Record Office, CO5-1322, Correspondence of the Board of Trade, Report of Governor Gooch.

[7-54] British Public Record Office, CO5-1322, Francis Fane to the Lords of Trade, Dec. 10, 1728.

[7-55] British Public Record Office, CO5-1356, p. 139, Colonial Entry Book.

NOTES TO CHAPTER VIII

[8-1] Princeton Transcripts, Virginia Land Patents, Princeton University Library.

[8-2] Princeton Transcripts, Virginia Land Patents, Princeton University Library.

[8-3] British Public Record Office, CO5-1362, pp. 365-367, Colonial Entry Book.

[8-4] Virginia Land Patents, Register of Land Office, Virginia State Capitol.

[8-5] G. L. Beer, The Old Colonial System, Vol. I, p. 28.

[178]

[8-6] G. L. Beer, The Old Colonial System, Vol. I, pp. 320-321.

[8-7] Jared Sparks, The Works of Benjamin Franklin, Vol. X, iii.

[8-8] Maurice Vanlaer, La Fin d'un Peuple, pp. 38-39.

[8-9] Maurice Vanlaer, La Fin d'un Peuple, pp. 112-117.

[8-10] British Public Record Office, CO1-39-38.

[8-11] Calendar of State Papers, Colonial Series, 1696-1697, p. 420.

[8-12] Calendar of State Papers, Colonial Series, 1696-1697, p. 500.

[8-13] Calendar of State Papers, Colonial Series, 1696-1697, p. 546.

[8-14] British Public Record Office, CO5-1359, pp. 20, 21, 22.

[8-15] British Public Record Office, CO5-1359, pp. 20, 21, 22.

[8-16] British Public Record Office, CO5-1359, p. 23, Colonial Entry Book.

[8-17] British Public Record Office, CO5-1359, p. 113, Andros to the Lords of Trade, July 1, 1697.

[8-18] British Public Record Office, CO5-1359, pp. 266-303, Colonial Entry Book.

[8-19] British Public Record Office, CO5-1312, p. 4O9A, Correspondence of the Board of Trade.

[8-20] British Public Record Office, CO5-1360, p. 441, Colonial Entry Book.

[8-21] Rent Roll of 1704, p. 46.

[8-22] British Public Record Office, CO5-1321, Correspondence of the Board of Trade, Gooch to the Lords of Trade, Nov. 6, 1728.

[8-23] British Public Record Office, CO5-1362, pp. 374-382, Colonial Entry Book.

[8-24] British Public Record Office, CO5-1364, p. 27, Colonial Entry Book.

[8-25] J. S. Bassett, Writings of William Byrd, p. 31.

[8-26] British Public Record Office, CO5-1322, Gooch to the Lords of Trade, Feb. 27, 1731.

[8-27] British Public Record Office, CO5-1321, Gooch to the Lords of Trade, Aug. 9, 1728.

[8-28] British Public Record Office, CO5-1315, Document 16, Correspondence of the Board of Trade.

[8-29] British Public Record Office, CO5-1315, Document 91, Correspondence of the Board of Trade.

[8-30] British Public Record Office, CO5-1316, Correspondence of the Board of Trade.

[8-31] British Public Record Office, CO5-1315, Document 16.

[8-32] British Public Record Office, CO5-1315, Document 91, Correspondence of the Board of Trade.

[179]

[8-33] British Public Record Office, CO5-1315, Correspondence of the Board of Trade.

[8-34] British Public Record Office, CO5-1316, Account of the tobacco trade by Perry and Hyde, June 2, 1714.

[8-35] British Public Record Office, CO5-1316, Petition of the Council, Correspondence of the Board of Trade.

[8-36] British Public Record Office, CO5-1318, Address of King and Queen county inhabitants to Spotswood; address of Westmoreland inhabitants; letter of Spotswood to Lords of Trade, Dec. 22, 1718.

[8-37] William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. XXI, pp. 106-122.

[8-38] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. XII, pp. 414-416.

[8-39] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. IV, pp. 297-299.

[8-40] William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. XXVI, pp. 97-106, 196-201, 250-258.

[8-41] Chastellux, Travels in North America, p. 291.

[8-42] Philip Fithian, Journal and Letters, p. 243.

[8-43] Smyth, A Tour of the United States, Vol. I, p. 58.

[8-44] William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. XXI, pp. 106-122.

[8-45] William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. XXVI, pp. 97-106, 196-201, 250-258.

[8-46] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. IV, pp. 297-299.

[8-47] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. XII, p. 415.

[8-48] Lower Norfolk County Antiquary, Vol. IV, p. 144.

[8-49] W. A. Crozier, Virginia County Records, Vol. I, pp. 88-110.

[8-50] Thomas Jefferson, Notes on Virginia, Edition of 1801, p. 321.

[8-51] Chastellux, Travels in North America, p. 292 note.

[8-52] Smyth, A Tour of the United States, Vol. I, p. 66.

[8-53] Hugh Jones, History of Virginia, p. 36.

[8-54] Rowland, Life of George Mason, Vol. I, pp. 101, 102; Philip Fithian, Journal and Letters, pp. 67, 104, 130, 130, 138, 217, 259; P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia, Vol. II, pp. 411, 418.

[8-55] British Public Record Office, CO5-1314, Document 63IV.

[8-56] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. XII, p. 415.

[8-57] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. IV, pp. 292-299.

[180]

[8-58] William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. XXVI, pp. 97-106, 196-201, 250-258.

[8-59] Smyth, A Tour of the United States, p. 67.

[8-60] Anbury, Travels Through America, Vol. II, p. 330.

[8-61] Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. XII, p. 415.


[181]

APPENDIX

[182]


[183]

RENT ROLL OF VIRGINIA

1704-1705

HenricoWarwickGlocester-Kingston
Prince GeorgeYorkGlocester-Ware
SurryJames CityHlocester-Abbington
Isle WighteNew KentMiddlesex
NansemondCharles CityEssex
NorfolkKing WilliamAccomack
Princess AnneKing & QueenNorthampton
Elizabeth CityGlocester-Petso

A True and Perfect Rent Roll of all the Lands held of her Majtie in Henrico County, Aprill 1705

A
Andrews Thomas396
Ascoutch Mary633
Archer Jno335
Adkins Jno125
Archer Geo1738
Aldy John162
Akins James Senr200
Asbrook Peter Senr200
Akins James Junr218
Allin Widdo99
———
4106
B
Byrd Esqr19500
Bolling Robt500
Bolling John831
Bevill John495
Branch Xto646
Blackman Wm175
Bridgwater Sam280
Bowman John Junr300
Bowman Edwd300
Branch Benj550
Brown Martha893
Bullington Benj100
Bowman Lew65
Bullington144
Bevell Essex200
Baugh John448
Baugh James458
Burton Isaac100
Bottom John100
Bayley Abr542
Brooks Jane belonging to Wm Walker New Kent550
Braseal Henry200
Brazeal Henry Junr300
Burton Robt1350
Burgony John100
Branch James555
Burrows Wm. Wm. Blackwell New Kent63
Branch Thomas540
Bailey Thomas251
Branch Matthew947
Burton Wm294
Bullington Robt100
Broadnax Jno Jr725
Beverley Robt988
———
33590
C
Cheatham Tho300
Cox Batt100
Cox John150
Cox George200
Chamberlaine Maj. Tho1000
Childers Abr. Senr368
Cannon John108
Cox Wm300
Childers Abr Junr100
Clark Wm333
Clark John300
Cox Richd300
Cardwell Tho350
Crozdall Roger200
Cock Wm1535
Cock Richd Senr2180
Childers Philip Senr50
Childers Philip300
Childers Tho300
Carter Theod75
Cock Capt Thomas2976-1/2
Couzins Charles362
Clerk Alonson604
Cock James1506[184]
Curd Edwd600
Cock Richd476
Cock Jno98
———
15171-1/2
D
Dixon Nicholas150
Dodson Wm100
Douglas Charles63
———
313
E
Edwd Tho676
Entroughty Derby200
Ealam Robt400
Ellis John217
East Tho Sen475
East Tho554
East Edwd150
Epes Capt Fras2145
Evans Charles225
Ealam Martin130
Epes Isham, Epes Fra. Junt each 444-1/2 acres889
———
6061
F
Field Peter Major2185
Farrar Capt Wm700
Farrar Tho1444
Farrar Jno600
Fowler Godfrey250
Ferguson Robert230
Ferris Wm50
Franklin James Sen250
Franklin James Jun786
Ferris Richd Sen550
Farmer Henry100
Forrest James138
Forrest John150
Fetherstone Henry700
Farloe John Sen100
Farloe John Jun551
Faile John240
———
9024
G
Gilley Grewin Arrian2528
Gee Henry435
Good John Sen600
Garthwaite Saml50
Garthwaite Ephriam163
Granger John472
Gill John235
Good Saml588
Gower James Grigs Land500
———
5571
H
Hill James795
Holmes Rich100
Harris Thomas357
Harris Timo250
Hill Rosamd1633
Hobby Lawrence500
Hatcher John215
Haskins Edward225
Hatcher Edward Sen150
Hunt Geo200
Hughs Edward100
Hancock Samuel100
Holmes Thomas50
Hambleton James100
Hutchins Nicho240
Hatcher Benj Sen250
Hatcher Wm Jun50
Hobson Wm150
Hatcher Wm Sen298
Hatcher Henry650
Hancock Robert860
Harris Mary94
Hall Edward184
Herbert Mrs1360
Hudson Robert281
———
9242
J
Jones Hugh934
Jefferson Thomas492
Jones Philip1153
Jorden Henry100
Jamson John225
Jackson Ralph250
———
3154
K
Kennon Elizabeth1900
Knibb Samuel209
Knibb Solomon833
Kendall Richard400
———
3342
L[185]
Liptroll Edward150
Lewis Wm350
Lester Darens100
Ladd Wm70
Ligon Elizabeth Widdow}
Ligon Mary Widdow}1341
Laforce Reu100
Lochett James50
Lownd Henry516
Lockitt Benj104
Ligon Richard1028
Ligon Hugh150
———
3959
M
Mann Robert100
Matthews Edward330
Moseby Edward150
Moseby Arthur450
———
1030
N
Nunnally Richard70
O
Osbourn Thomas288
Owen Thomas68
———
356
P
Perkinson John622
Perrin Ann500
Pleasants John9669
Parker Wm100
Parker Nich Sen500
Pledge Jno.100
Powell Robert150
Peice John130
Pleasants Jos1709
Porter Wm305
Peirce Wm175
Peirce Francis312
Paine Thomas300
Portlock Elizabeth1000
Pero Henry350
Pattram Ira778
Pride Wm Sen.1280
Pollard Thomas Sen130
Perkinson Seth50
Pinkitt Wm192
Pinkitt Thomas300
Pattison Joseph500
Porter John100
Pollard Thomas Jun235
Pollard Henry235
Pinkitt John215
———
19937
R
Robertson Geo1445
Ragsdaile Godfrey450
Rawlett Peter164
Russell Charles200
Rowlett Wm200
Rowen Francis148
Robertson John415
Rouch Rachell300
Robertson Thomas200
Russell John93
Royall Joseph783
Redford John775
Randolph Col Wm including 1185 acres swamp9465
———
14648
S
Steward Jno Jun902
Scott Walter550
Soane Capt Wm3841
Stanley Edward300
Snuggs Charles400
Sewell Wm59
Smith Humphrey40
Sharp Robert500
Stovoll Bartho100
Skerin Widdow75
Steward Daniell270
Smith Obadiah200
Stowers Widdow200
Sarrazin Stephen120
———
7557
T
Tancocks Orphans1230
Trent Henry224
Turpin Thomas491
Turpin Philip444
Turpin Thomas100[186]
Turner Henry200
Taylor Thomas475
Tanner Edward217
Traylor Edward100
Totty Thomas260
Traylor Wm730
———
4471
V
Veden Henry100
W
Woodson John4060
Williams Robert300
Woodson Robert Jun1157
Ward Richard300
Watson John Sen1603
Walthall Wm500
Walthall Henry832
Whitby Wm215
Watkins Henry Sen100
Webb John100
Watkins Thomas200
Woodson Rich180
Woodson Widdow650
Williamson Thomas1077
Webb Giles7260
Wood Thomas50
Watkins Wm120
Watkins Jos120
Watkins Edward120
Ward Seth700
Wood Moses100
Wilkinson Jos75-1/2
Wilkinson John130
Worsham John1104
Womack Abr560
Willson Jno Sen1686
Willson Jno Jun100
Walthall Richard500
Wortham Geo400
Wortham Charles90
Womack Wm100
———
24489-1/2
W24489-1/2
V100
T4471
S7557
R14648
P19937
O396
N70
M1030
L3959
K3342
J3154
H9242
G5571
F9024
E6061
D313
C15171-1/2
B33590
A4106
———
165814
Out of which must be deducted these several quantities of land following Viz:
Tancocks Orphans Land1230
Allens Orphans Land99
———
1329
An account of Land that hath been concealed
John Steward Jun2
Thomas Jefferson15
Thomas Turpin10
Henry Gee10
Stephen Sarrzen10
Mr. Lownd1
James Atkin Sen32
Matthew Branch10
James Franklin360
James Hill50
Rosemond Hill33
John Bullington44
Benjamin Lockett4
John Russell23
Charles Douglas13
Col Randolph Carless Land1049
———
1669
The Quit Rent being 162719 acres.

[187]

A Rent Roll of all the Lands held in the County of Prince George for the Year 1704

A
Thomas Anderson450
Wm Aldridge160
Mr. Charles Anderson505
Richard Adkinson200
Thomas Adams250
Matthem Anderson349
Henry Ally390
Wm Anderson235
Jno Anderson228
Henry Anderson250
Robert Abernathy100
Jno Avery100
———
3217
B
Richard Bland1000
Robert Birchett375
Arthur Biggins200
James Benford461
Jno Barloe50
Charles Bartholomew600
Philip Burlowe350
Nicholas Brewer100
Jno Bishop Sen100
Jno Bishop Jun100
Isaac Baites360
Thomas Busby Capt300
Thomas Busby200
Wm Batt750
Coll Byrd Esq100
Edward Birchett886
Coll Bolling3402
Edmund Browder100
Matus Brittler510
Jno Butler1385
Andrew Beck300
Henry Batt790
Wm Butler283
Thomas Blitchodin284
———
12986
C
Thomas Curiton150
Henry Chammins300
Capt Clements1920
Wm. Claunton100
Robert Catte100
Bartho Crowder75
Thomas Clay70
Jno Coleman200
George Crook489
Francis Coleman150
Jno Clay350
Wm Coleman Jun100
George Croohet30
James Cocke750
Robert Carlill100
Jno Clerk83
Richarl Claunton100
Stephen Cock for Jones Orphans2405
———
7622
D
Thomas Daniell150
Roger Drayton270
Joseph Daniell50
Jno Doby500
George Dowing100
Wm Davis100
Jno Duglas300
Richard Darding500
Christopher Davis50
Thomas Dunkin136
———
2156
E
Robert Ellis50
Jno Epes Sen530
Wm Epes Sen750
Jno Epes300
Wm Epes633-1/2
Edward Epes500
Littlebury Epes833-1/2
Benj Evans700
Thomas Edwards250
Dan Epes200
Jno Evans800
Jno. Ellis Jun400
John Ellis Sen400
Mary Evans400
Peter Evans270
Capt Francis Epes226
———
7243
F[188]
Jno Freeman300
Wm Frost50
Jno Fountaine350
Robert Fellows418
Elizabeth Flood100
Benj Foster923
Jno Field100
———
2241
G
Jno Green125
Richard Gord100
David Goodgamd479
James Greithian363
Major Goodrich900
Thomas Goodwin150
Hubert Gibson250
Richard Griffith335
James Griffin100
Charles Gee484
Charles Gillam200
Hugh Goelightly500
Lewis Green149
Wm Grigg200
John Gillam1000
John Goelightly100
———
5435
H
Coll Hill1000
Daniell Hickdon280
Robert Harthorn243
Jno Hamlin1484-1/2
Coll Harrison Esq150
Ralph Hill175
Wm Harrison1930
Wm Heath320
Edward Holloway100
Robert Hobbs100
Jno Hobbs Sen250
Edward Holloway Sen620
Jno Hobbs100
James Harrison200
Gilbert Haye200
Richard Hudson75
Gabriell Harrison150
Robert Hix1000
Joseph Holycross84
Charles Howell125
Sam Harwell125
Isaac Hall450
Jno Howell183
Thomas Howell25
Mrs. Herbert3925
Jno Hixs216
Richard Hamlin240
Thomas Harnison1077
Elizabeth Hamlin250
Wm Hulme100
Jeffrey Hawkes125
Adam Heath300
Jno Hill160
Jno Hardiman872
Justance Hall614
———
17366
J
Wm Jones Jun230
Wm Jones Sen600
Henry Jones200
Robert Jones241
Edmund Irby800
Nich. Jarrett700
James Jackson80
Adam Ivie200
Thomas Jackson60
James Jones Sen1100
Henry Ivye450
Peter Jones621
Ricard Jones600
Ralph Jacskon110
Joshua Irby200
John Jones350
———
6542
K
Richard Kirkland300
John King50
Henry King650
Arthur Kavanah60
Ensobius King100
———
1160
L
John Livesley300
Samuel Lewey100
Jno Lumbady400
Jno Leeneir100
Mrs Low70
Sam Lewey for Netherland Orphans498
Thomas Lewis Sen200[189]
Hugh Liegh762
Francis Leadbeatter100
Jno Leadbeatter400
Wm Low1584
———
3114
M
Wm Madox190
Robert Munford339
James Mingo Sen500
Matt Marks1500
Samuell Moody328
Francis Mallory100
Daniell Mallone100
Jno Mayes365
Richard More472
Henry Mitchell Sen100
Jno Mitchell170
Wm Mayes763
Edward Murrell100
Thomas Mitchell Jun100
Peter Mitchell305
Henry Mitchell Jun200
Francis Maberry347
James Matthews100
Jno Martin200
———
6839
N
Richard Newman120
Walter Nannaley299
———
419
O
Nicholas Overburry809
Jno Owen25
———
834
P
George Pasmore330
Francis Poythwes Sen1283
Joseph Pattison200
George Pail246
Nathaniel Phillips150
Jno Price50
Wm Peoples150
Elizabeth Peoples235
Joseph Perry275
Richard Pigeon524
Thomas Potts200
Joseph Pritchett50
Jno Petterson373
George Pace1000
Ephram Parkam300
Thomas Poythres616
Dand Peoples60
Grace Perry100
Jno Poythres Jun916
Jno Petterson420
Mr Micajah Perry600
———
9203
R
Jno Roberts316
Nath. Robinson100
Roger Reace Jun100
Henry Read75
Roger Reace Sen100
Wm Reanes250
Frances Raye300
Jno Reeks50
Wm Rachell100
Timothy Reading Sen460
Jno Riners200
Edward Richardson300
Coll Randolph226
———
2677
S
Matthew Smart100
Wm Standback150
Thomas Symmons566
James Salmen477
Wm Savage150
Wm Sandborne40
Jno Scott300
Martin Shieffield150
James Smith67
John Stroud60
Richard Seeking100
Wm Sexton50
James Leveaker710
Chichester Sturdivant214
Daniell Sturdivant850
Richard Smith550
Jno Spaine118
Matthew Sturdivant150
Capt Stith470-1/2
———
8272-1/2
T[190]
Major Henry Tooker for the Merchants in London4600
Ricard Jones600
George Tilliman446
Jno Tilliman530
Wm Tomlinson400
Adam Tapley977
Capt Jno Taylor1700
Mich. Taburd150
Majr Tooker181
Robert Tooker400
Robert Tester170
Joseph Tooker200
Wm Tempel100
Jno Thornhill350
Jno Taylor100
Nath. Tatham Jun200
Samuel Tatham Sen100
Samuel Tatham Jun195
Henry Talley639
Richard Turberfield140
Francis Tucker100
Nath. Tatham Sen501
Jno Thrower250
Thomas Thrower150
James Taylor306
Sanders Tapley300
Thomas Tapley300
James Thweat Sen715
James Thweat Jun100
Elizabeth Tucker212
Thomas Taylor400
Edward Thrower150
———
14462
V
Jno Vaughan169
Samuel Vaugham169
Nath. Vrooin150
Daniell Vaughan169
James Vaughan169
Richard Vaughan309
Wm Vaughan309
Thomas Vinson550
Nicholas Vaughan169
———
2163
W
John Woodlife Sen644
Wm Wallis200
Jno Wickett250
Capt. James Wynn860
Jno Woodlife Jun750
Jno Winningham Jun200
Richard Wallpoole625
Jno Womack550
Capt Thomas Wynn400
Jno Wall233
Thomas Winningham100
Elizabeth Woodlife844
Richard Worthern1600
Richard Winkles450
Capt Nicholas Wyatt700
Antho Wyatt250
Valentine Wiliamson250
Hurldy Wick600
Wm Wilkins900
Francis Wilkins150
Robert Winkfield107
Jarvis Winkfield100
Henry Wall275
Jno Wilkins150
James Williams1436
George Williams216
Jno White150
Edward Winningham100
Samuel Woodward600
———
13684
Y
Dannell Young283
John Young200
———
583
A3217
B12986
C7622
D2156
E7243
F2241
G5435
H17366-1/2
J6542
K1160
L5114
M6839
N419
O834
P9203
R2677
S8272[191]
T14462
V2163
W13684
Y583
———
127218-1/2
Deduct the new discovered Land10000
———
Accounted for117218-1/2
Orphans Land which is refulld paying Quit Rents for viz:
Mr. John Bannister Orphans per Stephen Cock1970
Capt Henry Batesorph and their Mother Mrs Mary Bates1200
Capt Henry Randolph Orphans per Capt Giles Webb129
Morris Halliham Orphans per Robert Rivers200
Crockson Land formerly & who it belongs to now I cannot find750
———
4245
117218-1/2 acres at 24 lb tobo
per 100 is
28132 lb tobacco
    at 5s per lb is70   6     6
Sallary 10 per cent7   0   10-1/2
—————
63   5     7-1/2
per William Epes Sheriff

Rent Roll of all the Lands held of her Majtie In Surry County Anno Domini 1704

A
Allin Arthur Major6780
Andrews Bartho375
Avery Jno150
Atkins Thomas80
Averett Jno120
Atkinson Richard100
Andrews Thomas190
Andrews Robert130
Andrews David225
———
8150
B
Baker Henry Coll850
Bruton James500
Bennett James200
Bland Sarah1455
Browne Jno600
Benbridge George200
Bighton Richard590
John Bell180
Berham Robert650
Blake Wm200
Browne Edward200
Bincham Jno100
Bennett Richard200
Baker Sarah50
Briggs Sarah300
Baxter Joell100
Briggs Samuel300
Blico Christopher50
Brigs Charles331
Brigs Henry100
Bentley180
Blackbun Wm150
Blunt Thomas1355
Bookey, Edward180
Browne Wm Coll2510
Browne Wm Capt398
Bineham James157
Bullock Mary100
Barker Jno1160
Bagley Peter100
Barker Jery420
Bunell Hezichiah150
Bougher Phill100
Baile Jno250
Bagley Edward350
———
14716
C
Chapman Benjamin500
Cockin Wm100
Cocker Jno900
Crafort Robert1000
Crafort Carter100
Chambers Wm50
Clark Jno100
[192]
Cook Elizabeth200
Carriell Thomas100
Clements Jno387
Clarke Jno100
Cook Elizabeth200
Carriell Thomas100
Clements Jno387
Clark Robert400
Checett James50
Cotten Walter257
Cotten Thomas257
Collier Jno350
Collier Joseph40
Cock Wm630
Cock Walter875
Cooper James100
Cleaments Francis600
Collier Thomas550
Candenscaine Obedience200
———
7746
D
Dicks James400
Davis Arthur460
Drew Thomas800
Drew Edward600
Delk Roger790
David Arthur50
Dean Richard100
Davis Nath.157
———
3357
E
Edward Wm Mr.2755
Evans Antho100
Edward John470
Ellitt Wm250
Edmund Howell300
Ellis James180
Edmund Wm100
Ellis Edward30
Ellis James170
Ezell Geirge150
Ellis Jere50
Evans Abrah.150
———
4705
F
Flake Robert200
Foster Anne200
Ford George100
Flood Walter820
Flood Thomas150
Ford Elias200
Flemin Lawrence360
Foster Christo500
Foster Wm100
Ferieby Benj170
———
2800
G
Gray Wm Capt1750
Gray Wm Jun1050
Grines Austis100
Gwalney Wm400
Gray Jno200
Gwalney Wm225
Goodman Wm200
Gillham Hinche658
Griffin John200
Gully Richard50
Gray Wm100
Green Edward200
Green Richard260
———
5393
H
Harrison Benj Coll2750
Harrison Nath. Capt2177
Hunt Wm4042
Holt Elizabeth1450
Holt John150
Holt Thomas Capt538
Holt Wm630
Harris Wm150
Hart Henry725
Humfort Hugh150
Hancock John60
Hart Robert600
Humphrey Evan70
Hollyman Mary290
Harde Thomas900
Hill Robert200
Holloman Richard480
Hargrove Bryan100
Humfort Wm50
Hill Lyon300
Holloman Thomas450
Heath Adam200
Harrison Daniell70
Ham Richard75
Heart Thomas750
[193]
Hyerd Thomas50
Hunt Wm696
Horne Richard100
Hollingsworth Henry60
Howell Wm50
———
18413
J
Jackman Jos John Mr.2980
Jones James1000
Jarrell Thomas115
Jarrett Charles615
Judkins Samuell100
Judkins Wm100
Jurdan George620
Jarrett Fardo630
Johnson Wm360
Johnson John350
Jurdan Richard350
———
7220
K
Kigan Mary200
Killingworth Wm60
Knott Wm300
———
560
L
Ludwell Philip Coll1100
Lancaster Robert100
Lacey Mary100
Lang Mary77
Lane Thomas200
Lane Thomas Jun200
Laughter Jno300
Laneere George300
Lasley Patrick520
Lucas Wm315
———
3212
M
Matthew Edmund50
Merriell George250
Moorland Edward225
Mason Elizabeth300
Mallory Francis147
Merrett Matt.60
Middleton Thomas100
Moss Wm100
Moreing John695
Mierick Owen250
———
2177
N
Newton Wm225
Newton Robert250
Newitt Wm330
Norwood Richard80
Nicholl George150
Nichols Robert230
Noeway Barefoot150
Norwood George330
———
1745
P
Park Mary100
Pittman Thomas Jun100
Phillips, John270
Price John340
Pettoway Elizabeth650
Pulystone Jno1400
Parker Richard269
Phelps Humphrey100
Pully Wm300
Procter Joshua660
Persons John830
Phillips Wm300
Pettfort Jno200
Pettfort Wm50
———
5569
R
Randolph Wm Coll1655
Ruffice Elizabeth3001
Reynolds Robert150
Richardson Joseph300
Reynolds Elizabeth150
Reagon Frances200
Roads Wm150
Rolling George106
Road Wm450
Rose Richard100
Raehell George70
Rowling Jno476
Rohings Wm596
Roger Wm450
———
7854[194]
S
Scat Joseph295
Sims George200
Secoms Nicholas800
Savage Charles358
Stringfellow Richard75
Suger Jno250
Sewurds Anne300
Sharp Thomas70
Sewins Thomas400
Steward John200
Smith Richard200
Savage Mary263
Smith Thomas750
Swann Wm1800
Shrowsbury Joseph260
Shrowsbury Francis820
Savage Henry200
Short Wm400
Scarbro Edw150
Scagin Jno100
Simmons Jno1300
Shrowsbury Thomas566
Stockly Richard100
Smith Thomas380
———
10237
T
Thompson Samuell3104
Tooker Henry Major700
Taylor Ethelred538
Thorp Joseph250
Tyous Thomas400
Taylor Richard77
——
5069
V
Vincent Mary187
W
Wright Thomas100
Williams Charles100
Wall Joseph150
Williams Wm300
Ward Thomas100
Wall Joseph Jun150
Warren Allen300
Warren Thomas1040
Watkins Richard1345
Williams Roger150
Webb Robert340
Wattkins John1160
Warren Robert150
Welch Henry100
Warrick John80
Wilkinson Matthew200
Wiggins Thomas300
Waple Jno300
Witherington Nicholas100
Will Roger78
White Charles136
——
6679
Y
Young John300
A8150
B14716
C7746
D3357
E4705
F2800
G5393
H18413
J7220
K560
L3212
M2177
N1745
P5569
R7854
S10237
T5069
V187
W6679
Y300
———
116089
New Land allowed per order3841
———
112248
Aprill 19th 1705 Errors excepted per Jos Jno. Jackman Sheriff.
Persons denying payment for Lands held in this County (viz) Capt Tho Holt as belonging to Mr. Tho Benules Orphans950
Mrs. Mary White200
———
1150[195]
Lands held by persons living out of the Country
Capt Jno Taylor850
Mrs. Sarah Low500
Mr. Jno Hamlin100
Capt Thomas Harrison530
1150
———
3130
Bartho Clement one tract of Land he living in England the quantity unknowne
Jno Davis one Tract Living in Isle of Wight
Geo & River Jorden one Tract & denys to pay Qt Rents for it & no persons living thereon, there is one Bray Living in Warwick has a small tract Land

A List of her Majtys Qt Rents For the Isle Wighte County in the Year 1704

Jno Atkins200
James Atkinson400
Wm Exam1440
Wm Brown150
Francis Exam200
Richard Bennett70
James Briggs100
Ph. Bratley200
Abr. Drawler200
Jno Branch45
Francis Branch50
Edward Brantley175
John Brantley364
Edward Boykin1100
George Barloe80
Jno Geoge200
Thomas Carter700
Reubin Cooke250
Jno Clarke850
Thomas Cook300
Wm Clark600
Edward Champion600
Jno Dowles150
Peter Deberry100
Thomas Davis100
Jno Davis250
Peter Hayes600
Christo. Hollyman400
Richard Hardy700
Thomas Holyman150
Jno Harris365
Silvester Hill925
Roger Hodge300
Arthur Jones900
Edward Jones250
Richard Jones250
Jno Johnson890
Roger Ingram300
Matt. Jorden1950
Thomas Newman360
George Readich790
Francis Lee100
Ph. Pardoe100
Jno Parsons155
George Moore400
Jno Mangann100
Robert Mongo400
Henry Martin200
Jno Murray650
Francis Rayner80
Jno Richardson150
James Sampson1200
Jno Stevenson150
Thomas Sherrer200
Jno Sherrer200
Wm Thomas250
Thomas Tooke1228
Thomas Throp350
Baleaby Terrell100
Peter Vasser230
Jno Williams600
George Williamson2735
Fra. Williamson2035
Thomas Wood50
James Lupe45
Elizabeth Reynolds100
Jno Sojourner240
Robert Hoge60
Andrew Woodley770
Arthur Allen1800
Henry Baker750
Rubin Prochter250
Thomas Howell100
Nath Whitby170
Jane Atkins600
Jno Mongo100[196]
Natt Ridley200
Jno Bell200
Wm West250
Charles Goodrich80
Jno Britt350
Jno Barnes200
Henry Goldham1000
Jno Waltham450
Charles Edwards400
Wm Exam150
Major Lewis Burwell7000
Henry Applewaite1500
Thomas Pitt300
Jno Pitt3400
Mary Benn675
Robert Clark450
Antho Holliday860
Wm Westrah450
Elizabeth Gardner100
Jno Gardner246
Jno Turner950
Antho Foulgham100
Anne Williams150
Edward Harris240
Jno Cotton200
Thomas Joyner1400
Jno Lawrence400
Thomas Mandue200
Wm Mayo300
Jno Garcand100
James Bryan1200
Wm Keate200
Jno Browne100
Francis Sanders100
John Rogers200
Hodges Councie420
Hardy Councie900
Jno Councie760
Thomas Reeves600
Wm Crumpler580
Bridgeman Joyner1100
Elizabeth Swan600
Thomas Jones700
Arthur Whitehead250
Thomas Allen150
Jerimiah Exam300
Nicholas Casey550
Jno Giles1150
Alexander Camoll200
Jno Rutter300
Godfrey Hunt600
Wm Trygell100
Benj Jorden150
Thomas Jorden207
Jno King300
Wm Wilkinson200
Thomas Grace160
Wm West50
Jno Penny300
Robert Richards100
Thomas Northworthy600
Fra Parker210
Widdo Long104
Trustram Northworthy1000
George Green250
Jno Druer100
Philip Peerce500
Wm Best100
Humphrey Marshall600
Thomas Brewer200
Wm Smith2100
Samuel & Wm Bridger12900
Wm Williams100
Richard Ratcliffe380
Joshua Jordan150
Daniall Sandbourne180
Nicholas Houghan780
Mary Marshall200
Joseph Godwin250
Joseph Bridger580
Henry Pitt700
James Baron300
Arthur Smith3607
Robert Broch400
Wm Godwin400
Hugh Bracey1000
Henry Turner350
Thomas Wootten963
Richard Reynolds Esq853
Richard Reynolds746
Jno Parnell400
Benj Deall467
Thdo. Joyner595
Jno Jordan100
Henry Wiggs506
Wm Body1375
Arthur Purcell750
Jno Porteus100
Wm West690
Simon Everett1100
Walter Waters150
John Jordan150
John Nevill433
Robert Colman1500
Wm Green150
Mary Cobb150[197]
Robert Edwards150
Anne Jones100
Abraham Jones600
John Jones200
Richard Lewis100
Henry Dullard100
Thomas Williams100
James Mercer100
Poole Hall350
Jno Howell100
Thomas Lovett100
George Anderson150
Daniell Nottiboy100
Henry Wilkinson350
Jno Watkins200
Thomas English100
Thomas Page203
Francis Davis100
Richard Braswell100
Robert Johnson2450
Jno Minshea300
Wm Pryan200
Wm Dawes400
Nicholas Tyner300
Isaac Ricks700
Robert Scott300
Jno Roberts950
Wm Duck180
Robert Lawrence400
Jno Denson200
Robert Smelly600
Francis Bridle250
Roger Fearlton237
Thomas Bullock100
Wm. Marfry600
Thomas Powell100
Widdo Glyn390
Jno Pope250
Thomas Gayle200
Wm Powell200
Richard Hutchins300
Henry Boseman100
Henry Pope557
John Williams971
Henry Sanders700
Jno Selloway900
Jno Bardin100
Phill Rayford650
Phill Pearse500
Jno Terseley150
Geo Northworthy1176
Robert Richards450
Thomas Bevan100
Wm Hunter150
Madison Street150
Thomas Wheatley400
Richard Wilkinson150
James Bragg500
Jno Portous300
Thomas Harris350
Edward Harris100
Nicholas Askew80
Ambrose Hadley100
Widdo Powell480
Thomas Jones100
Thomas Underwood100
Robert King300
Thomas Giles880
Lewis Smelly550
Wm Smelly280
Godfrey Hunt600
Edmund Godwin400
Wm Williams1000
John Wilson1200
John Bryan200
John Askew100
Samuell Bridger200
Roger Nevill200
Coll Godwin600
Jacob Durden500
———
138533
Wm Bridger.

A Compleat List of the Rent Roll of the Land in Nansemond County In Anno 1704

John Murdaugh300
Jno Duke113
Thomas Duke Jun930
Edward Roberts250
Paul Pender240
Thomas Duke400
James Fowler440
Robert Baker50
Isaac Sketto100
Edward Sketto200
Antho Gumms50
Francis Sketto.100
Wm Parker100
Francis Parker170[198]
Thomas Parker300
Jno Small100
Moses Hall95
Edward Beamond550
Richard Parker514
Capt James Jessey550
Wm Sanders200
Jno Sanders165
Thomas Mansfield60
Wm Woodley350
Andrew Bourne200
Gilbert Owen120
Wm Sanders Jun165
Capt John Speir500
Capt James Reddick943
James Griffin500
Nicholas Stallings965
John Stallings250
Richard Stallings165
Elias Stallings Jun250
Joseph Baker740
Wm Jones500
Robert Roundtree245
John Roundtree475
George Spivey200
James Spivey600
James Knight300
Jno Gorden330
Edward Arnold80
James Mulleny500
Thomas Docton200
Wm Britt400
Nath Newby850
Elias Stalling470
Robert Lassiter850
Patrick Wood200
Wm Thompson133
Jonathan Kitterell300
Adam Rabey586
Jno Powell758
John Reddick300
Henry Copeland150
Thomas Davis250
Jno Smith100
Thomas Harrald652
Richard Baker40
Samuell Smith230
Wm Hood200
Thomas Roundtree350
Henry Hill175
Jno Larkhum500
Wm Vann100
Joseph Cooper267
John Harris600
Francis Copeland513
Elizabeth Price150
Wm Hill150
Thomas Spivey200
Jno Campbell400
Jno Morley100
Jos Rogers15
Jno Cole814
Thomas Harrald100
Christopher Gawin Jun20
Daniell Horton200
Wm Bruin300
Peter Eason400
Anne Pugh2300
Benj Blanchard130
Thomas Norfleet500
John Odum50
Thomas Gough150
Hugh Gough150
Epapap Boyne100
Henry Baker375
Christopher Gwin1010
James Speirs200
Epaphra Benton250
Wm Eason180
Andrew Brown25
Wm Horne100
Robert Reddick200
Henry Hackley210
Thomas Roberts30
Abr Reddick400
Jno Parker240
Richard Barefield900
John Benton660
Jno Pipkin100
Jos Brady250
Christopher Dudley200
Thomas Norris100
Thomas Wiggins100
Patrick Lawley50
Robert Warren100
Richard Odium50
Thomas Davis340
Thomas Barefield100
John Eason150
Jerimiah Arlin250
Jno Perry870
Jno Drury87
Joseph Booth987
Cresham Cofield350
Richard Sumner600
Edward Norfleet200[199]
Jno Norfleet600
Edward Moore250
Thomas Moore200
James Lawry40
James Daughtie400
John Wallis150
Richard Sanders Jun100
Wm Byrd300
James Howard700
John Brinkley430
Robert Horning80
Wm Speirs200
Sarah Exum150
Jno Larrence175
Nicholas Perry200
Sampson Merridith400
Coll Thomas Milner1484
Joseph Merridith250
Thomas Kinder160
Henry King300
Joseph Hine150
Wm King140
Julian King700
Mich King80
Capt Tho Godwin Jun697
Henry Lawrence200
Jno King1000
Richard Hyne200
Capt Francis Milner479
Benj Nevill475
Elizabeth Marler80
Wm Keene200
Jno Symmons678
Hen: Johnson150
Jno Darden500
Wm Everett150
Wm Pope890
Joseph Worrell270
Thomas Jemegan Jun135
Richard Lawerence200
Jonathan Robinson400
Robert Yates150
Thomas Odium20
John Barefield300
John Raules600
Thomas Boyt400
Thomas Vaughan200
Jno Parker300
Richard Green200
Elizabeth Ballard300
Samuell Watson200
Francis Spight400
Joseph Ballard200
John Oxley100
Benj Rogers600
Robert Rogers300
Henry Jerregan200
Jno Hansell500
Henry Jenkins400
Capt William Hunter800
Jno Moore200
Richard Moore250
Edward Homes300
Fra Cambridge100
Wm Ward200
Jno Rice140
Wm Battaile800
Wm Spite500
Abr Oadham20
Jacob Oadam20
Jno Lee100
Wm Macklenny200
Robert Coleman1400
Jno Bryan200
Wm Daughtree100
Jno Copeland600
Jno Butler200
James Butler75
Thomas Roads75
Wm Collins1220
Jno Hedgpath700
Jno Holland700
Robert Carr200
Wm Waters600
Robert Lawrence400
Wm Bryon350
Lewis Bryon400
James Lawrence100
Wm Gatlin100
Joseph Gutchins250
George Lawrence400
Lewis Daughtree100
Thomas Rogers50
Jno Rogers200
Henry Core50
Edward Cobb100
Richard Taylor300
Robert Brewer200
Wm Osburne200
Thomas Biswell400
Jno Gatlin200
Richard Folk100
Thomas Parker100
Peter Parker140
Wm Parker140
Richard Hine Jun200[200]
Stephen Archer200
Charles Roades800
Henry Roades100
James Collings300
Henry Holland400
Wm Kerle325
Joseph Holland100
Jno Thomas Jun100
Jno Thomas275
Thomas Mason350
Edward Mason150
Jno Sanders150
Mich Brinkley200
James Moore400
Henry Blumpton1500
Jno Symmons100
Jeremiah Edmunds70
John Gay200
Philip Aylsberry100
James Copeland390
Jno Brothers460
Richard Creech200
Richard Bond90
Thomas Handcock30
James Knott1050
Wm Edwards150
Robert Elkes175
Edward Price140
Jane Belson100
Wm Staples210
Robert Mountgomery150
John Moore100
Capt Edmund Godwin800
Thomas Wakefield150
Godfrey Hunt360
Henery Wilkinson250
Nicholas Dixon200
George Keeley650
Richard Taylor300
Anne Coefield300
Joseph Hollyday1000
Mr Jno Braisseur400
Thomas Best160
Alexander Campbell500
Capt Charles Drury570
Thomas Drury75
Luke Shea650
John Babb500
Abraham Edwards400
Richard Sanders500
Antho Wallis80
Daniell Sullivan100
Joseph Ellis290
Nicholas Hunter190
Richard Webb200
John Hare190
Christopher Norfleet400
Jno Heslop148
Francis Benton200
Capt Wm Sumner275
Elizabeth Syrte100
Anne Hare600
Jno Porter450
Edward Welsh100
Jno Winbourne400
Paul Pender200
Mich Cowling100
John Cowling100
Rowland Gwyn75
Andrew Ross150
Jno Ballard400
Benjamin Montgomery910
Thomas Corbell200
Jno Yates400
Jno White150
George White50
Jno Bond150
Wm Hay100
Henry Bowes600
Wm Sevill85
Jno Hambleton200
Robert Jordan850
James Howard25
Ruth Coefield110
Jno Chilcott100
Jno Rutter80
Thomas Rutter75
Wm Rutter75
Capt Barnaby Kerney460
Thomas Cutchins150
Robert Lawrence130
Samuell Cahoone240
Jno Iles220
Thomas Sawyer180
Wm Outland400
Coll George Northworthy650
Coll Thomas Godwin810
Caleb Taylor200
Thomas Carnell320
Richard Bradley250
Jno Corbin300
Wm Sykes150
Major Thomas Jorden700
Richard Lovegrove150
Thomas Davis144
Samuell Farmer160[201]
Henry Bradley500
Jno Clarke25
Margarett Jorden200
Wm Elkes100
Humphrey Mires150
James Ward100
Widdow Hudnell45
Wm Grandberry300
Israell Shepherd200
Benj. Small100
Anne Crandberry75
Charles Roberts50
Richard Sclator300
Robert Murrow320
Elizabeth Peters334
Thomas Jones200
Elizabeth Butler200
Coll Samuell Bridger500
Jno Lawrence100
Thomas Jarregan165
Thomas Jarregan Jun600
Wm Drury80
Wm Butler120
Henry Jenkins860
Edward Bathurst250
Thomas Houffler200
Edward Streater200
Wm Duffield50
Charles Thomas Jun50
Jno Blessington150
Ursula Goodwin100
Thomas Acwell440
Wm Peale180
John Lambkin50
James Murphice160
Robert Peale275
John Peters368
James Peters340
John Wakefield50
Richard Wynn890
James Lockhart800
John Keeton2000
———
117024
Jno Murrow200
———
117224
Added to make up equll the last year list which may be supposed to be held by persons that have not made both13850
———
131074
Persons living out of the County and other that will not pay or give account. Viz:
Capt Thomas Lovett
Capt Jno Wright
Fra Parker Jun
Tho Martin
Jno Wright
Wm Lapiter
Jno Lapiter
Capt Luke Haffield
Mrs Elizabeth Swann
Errors excepted per me Henry Jenkins

An Alphabetical List of the Quit Rents of Norfolk County 1704

Ashley Dennis150
Avis Widdow50
Adam Wm100
Alexander John300
Barington Wm100
Bartee Robert150
Bull Robert Sen1050
Blanch Wm100
Bond Wm200
Brown Widdow270
Bruce Abraham1010
Brown Wm100
Bowers Jno166
Bolton Wm212
Byron Roger200
Bayley Walter290
Bruce Jno300
Bishop Wm100
Bull Henry1500
Bucken Wm410
Babington Thomas150
Babington Jno150
Babington Rich50
Burges George200
Burges Robert535
Butt Richard1840
Brown Edward300
Bigg Thomas100
Balingtine Alexander300
Balengtine George510[202]
Bull Thomas2200
Bramble Henry100
Blake Arthur200
Bolton Richard700
Branton John330
Bacheldon Joseph300
Bush Samuell Major1628
Balingtine Wm60
Bowles Henry330
Cartwright Peter1050
Cooper Wm150
Cooper Jno150
Cramore George100
Carling Walton50
Carling Joseph200
Curch Richard1050
Churey Widdow600
Cuthrell Going470
Crekmore Edward800
Cartwright Widdow800
Corprew Jno650
Corprew Thomas650
Crekmore Jno750
Caswell Widdow350
Colley Jno100
Cottell Thomas200
Conden Thomas390
Conner Lewis2200
Carney Jno100
Carney Richard100
Collins Wm100
Crekmore Edmund690
Charleton Jno50
Cutrell Thomas150
Chapman Richard50
Churey Thomas100
Churey Jno150
Dixon Jno300
Davis Wm Sen250
Davis Wm158
Dresdall Robert318
Davis Thomas332
Desnall Wm100
Davis Edward300
Dalley Henry1524
Dalley Wm156
Davis Thomas340
Denby Edward100
Daniell Hugh100
Etherdge Thomas Cooper75
Etherdge Thomas B R50
Etherdge Thomas Sen34
Etherdge Thomas Jun33
Etherdge Edward66
Etherdge Wm250
Etherdge Wm Jun80
Etherdge Marmaduke525
Edmonds John50
Ellis Wm200
Etherdge Edward Cooper200
Estwood Thomas170
Estwood John75
Etherdge Edward Sen33
Edwards John250
Etherdge Charles75
Evans Abrigall100
Furgison Thomas100
Freeman Jno190
Foreman Alexander750
Foster Henry1000
Ferbey Jno500
Fulsher Jno1396
Godfry Waren350
Godfry John1470
Godfry Matthew450
Grefen Jno200
Garen Daniell50
Guy John110
Gwin Wm350
Gilhgun Ferdinando182
Gilhgan John200
Gresnes James150
Gaines John50
Guy James100
Herbert Thomas150
Hayes Wm200
Harris John110
Holyday Jno440
Hodges Joseph50
Hoges Thomas407
Hoges John520
Hollowell Jno Sen524
Hollygood Thomas100
Hollowell Jno200
Holsted Henry633
Hollowell Joseph1280
Holsted John350
Hues Edward1304
Hullett Jno300
Hodges Roger109
Hodges Thomas50
Hodges Richard375
Harvey Richard265
Handberry300
Hollowell Elener1550
Herbert Jno400[203]
Hargrave Benjamin250
Hartwell Richard150
Henland Jno800
Ivey George496
Jackson Symon720
Ives Timothy400
Ives Timothy Jun100
Ives John434
Johnston John275
Johnston Mercey275
Joles Thomas200
Joyce Jno200
Jolef Jno Jun300
Jenings Henry100
Jolef Jno Sen840
Kaine Richard50
Langley Wm1487
Langley Thomas878
Loveney James100
Luelling Edward315
Luelling Richard200
Lovell Widdow740
Low Henry191
Lane Robert460
Ludgall Matthew250
Levima John510
Lenton Wm150
Mercer Thomas600
Maning Thomas97
Maning Nicholas260
Mones Joseph73
Matthias Matthew100
Miller Wm1090
Miller Jno200
Miller Widdow100
Murden Widdow2000
Miller Thomas1050
Maund Wm200
Maning Jno Sen300
Miller Joseph882
Mocey Dennis Sen & Jun160
Mohan James100
Murfrey Alexander800
Maning Jno Jun100
Moseley Widdow300
Miller Widdow Sen200
Mason Thomas125
Masom Lemuell400
Mason Thomas653
Mason George300
Mockey Adam400
Newton George1119
Nicholson Jno160
Nash Thomas50
Nicholson Henry320
Nash Richard100
Nicholson Wm300
Norcote Thomas273
Outlaw Edward208
Owens Wm650
Odyam Wm200
Pearce Wm100
Peters Widdow698
Portlock360
Porter Samuell100
Prescot Moses1200
Philpot Richard200
Powell Richard100
Powell Lemuell246
Powell Wm624
Perkins Wm50
Patison Robert350
Roberts Jos100
Robert Samuell800
Rose Robert385
Rose Jno60
Randall Giles150
Richardson Thomas379
Spring Robert98
Spivey Matt600
Smith John127
Scoll Thomas400
Smith Richard600
Smith John200
Silvester Richard1280
John Smith Sen1200
Sickes Walter Sen550
Sickes John200
Sugg George408
Sugg Wm200
Sayer Francis600
Smith Humphrey100
Standbro Jno40
Standley Richard200
Sharples Henry100
Sugg Joseph300
Symons Thomas166
Symon James200
Sparrow Wm350
Tuker Wm100
Thornton Francis200
Thurston Matthew100
Theobald James140
Thellaball Widdow600
Tuker Richard100
Tuker Thomas280[204]
Taylor Jno100
Taylor Richard75
Tully Jno165
Tarte Elezar Sen300
Taylor Andrew222
Tuker Jno400
Tart Alice300
Tarte Elezar Jun595
Taylor Wm265
Trigoney Henry200
Velle Moriss335
Walice Thomas150
Weston Edward100
Willoughby Thomas Coll3200
Weshart John150
Woodly Robert350
Williams John125
Wilder Mich200
Watkins Thomas190
Williamson Jno750
Whedon Jno Jun100
Willoughby Thomas Capt660
Whedon Wm200
West John500
Watson Robert80
Wallis Richard250
Wallis Jno135
Wallis Wm450
Whithurst Richard150
Whithurst Wm150
Wilkins Wm200
Williams John200
Whedbey George200
Worden James400
Wilson James Jun200
Wilson Lemuell300
Wilson James Coll2800
Woodward Henry280
Whedon Jno Jun320
White Patrick500
Willis John470
Weldey Dorothy25
Ward Jno320
Wakfield Thomas40
Wilden Nath100
Wooding Thomas170
Wood Edward100
Watford Joseph97
Wate John400
Wright Wm574
Wright James216
Wadborn Mich500
Williams Jane400
Webb Mary100
Worminton John200
Wilden Francis100
Widdick Henry343
———
113684
New discovered Land1615
———
112069
An Account of the Land belonging to such persons out of the County and also others out of the County.
Coll Cary
Tully Robinson
James Daves
Robert Berrey95
Jno Bennett33
Coll Nasareth400
Cornelius Tullery150
James Wilson Sherriff

Princess Anne County Rent Roll 1704

John Carraway180
Thomas More100
Henry Chapman250
George Poole1085
James Whithurst600
Thomas Morris63
Thomas Joy600
Thomas Scott100
George Smith250
Thomas Hife200
Richard Smith200
Thomas Hattersley90
Thomas Jolley150
Mich Ventres450
Capt Blomer Bray270
James Mecoy200
Francis Bond264
Edward Wood50
Jno Morrah200
Alexander Morrah200
Ruth Woodhouse450
Horatia Woodhouse525
Joseph White330
Jon Basnett250[205]
Owen Wilbe100
Mr. Wm. Corneck1974
Jno Oakham390
David Scott600
Jno Keeling2000
Adam Keeling500
Humphrey Smith50
Jno Halise130
Capt Wm Crawford2650
Richard Williamson450
Edward Tranter180
Jno. Sherland800
Robert Rany70
Edward Old450
Coll Lemuell Mason650
Mr. Francis Emperor400
James Kemp681
Bartho: Williamson400
Symon Hancock Jun200
George Batten150
Matth: Brinson250
Mr. Edward Mosseley Sen1000
Wm Martin200
James Joslin100
Alexander Lilburn500
James William100
Mr. Henry Spratt1736
Symon Hancock Sen300
Thomas Walk298
Jno Kemp340
Randolph Lovett100
Edward Davis200
Jno Sammons150
Elizabeth Edwards50
Mr. Benj. Burroughs800
Jno Muncreef140
Matt: Pallett600
Mrs. Thurston290
Lancaster Lovett1850
Robert Cartwright260
Jno. Cartwright100
Nath: Macklakan100
Adam Thorowgood700
Henry Walstone800
Edward Land400
Thomas Hall400
Wm. Catherill150
Doctor Browne600
John Richardson1000
Robert Richmond1000
Thomas Benson225
Lewis Pervine800
Edward Attwood400
Wm. Moore414
Mr. Henry Woodhouse3000
Tully Emperor300
Jno. Godfrey170
Wm Dyer700
Edward Cooper200
Wm Ship300
Jno Buck250
Peter Mallbourn280
Benjamin Roberts100
Capt Jno Gibbs3100
Sarah Sanford1200
Henry Harrison300
James Lemon1500
Wm Wallsworth100
Wm Capps1050
Jacob Taylor80
Stephen Pace50
Adam Hayes1360
Wm Chichester400
Robert Dearemore514
Capt. Francis Morse1300
Patrick Anguish150
Thomas Brock400
Wm Brock100
Jno Sullivant200
Francis Sheene300
Jno Acksted400
Charles Hendley100
Duke Hill70
Job Brooks150
Jno Brooks100
Thomas Turton110
Peter Crosby250
Jno Pisburn314
James Sherwood200
Edward Cannon550
Richard Capps100
John Doley640
Matthew Mathias80
Mr. James Peters889
Jno Owens190
Josvas Morris900
Thomas Mason140
Wm. Wishart200
Jno Russell300
Stephen Sall250
Timothy Dennis100
George Walker425
Wm. Ashby100
Charles Griffin216
Symon Franklin100
Alice Thrower125[206]
James Wishart225
Richard Draught500
Doctor Wm. Hunter80
Mr. Jon Sanders203
Wm Grinto650
Henry Fithgerreld200
Coll. H. Lawson3100
Capt. John Thorowgood1000
Robert Thorowgood940
Henry Southern640
John Wharton850
Joseph Doller150
Jno Briggs600
Francis Jones100
Thomas Lurrey100
Thomas Walker820
Steph Swaine450
Edward Mulsin100
George Bullock300
Jno Leggett400
Mark Tully300
Wm. Walstone400
Mark Powell550
Elizabeth Nicholls500
Hugh Hoskins50
Wm. Burrough50
Wm. Warren100
Capt. Hugh Campble800
George Worrinton400
James Tully400
Wm. Lovett1300
Wm. Grant150
Thomas More100
Richard Whithurst350
Capt. Thomas Cocke800
John Comins175
Thomas Griffin200
Thomas Spratt600
Jno Russell150
James Heath550
David Duncon100
Daniell Lane350
George Fowler600
Jno Booth350
Giles Collier500
Jacob Johnson1700
Alexander Willis150
Richard Bonny2000
Mr. James Doage784
Antho: Barnes200
Jno. Macklalin120
Thomas Etherington108
Jno James328
Wm. Woodhouse300
John Mayho160
Joseph Perry35
Thomas Perry650
Mr. Argoll Thorowgood1000
Capt. Wm. Moseley600
Jno Moseley325
Wm. Smith180
Wm. Symmons400
Adam Forguson120
Banj. Commins200
Jno Elkes500
Patrick White1250
Richard Jones200
Evan Jones600
Mich. Jones200
Richard Wicker300
Henry Snaile250
Mr. Samiel Bush550
Mr. Tully Robinson500
Jno Briberry50
Wm. Moseley50
Capt. Christ. Merchant400
Richard Cox50
Matt. Godfrey150
Thomas Tully600
Hector Denby600
Thomas Keeling700
Wm. More100
Thomas Cason550
Sarah Jackson600
Jacob More200
———
98728
Henry Spratt

A True and Perfect Rent Roll of the Lands In Elizabeth City County for the Year 1704

Coll. Wm. Wilson1024
Mr. Wm. Smelt150
Mr. Pasquo Curle300
Mr. Nicho. Curle950
Coll. Dudley Diggs216
Samuell Pearce100
Mary Jenings250
Mark Powell184[207]
Wm. Davis42
Jno Skinner50
Thomas Baines50
Wm Latham90
Thomas Tucker60
Matthew Smell100
Charles Cooley200
Jno Chandler150
Wm. Umpleet25
Charles Tucker240
Thomas Allin227
Wm. Williams per the School600
Wm Williams per himself260
Mrs. Bridgett Jenkins100
Christopher Davis25
Wm. Spicer60
Thomas Hawkins270
Jno Bowles260
Jno Theodam100
Bartho. Wetherby300
Jos: White200
Capt. Henry Royall750
Robert Bright Sen.100
Thomas Naylor100
George Cooper Sen100
Thomas Needham100
Cha: Cooper100
Wm. Dunn100
Charles Jenings225
Samuell Davill100
Paltey Davill100
Francis Rogers200
Thomas Babb per Selden300
Richard Horsley90
Sarah Nagleer230
Henry Dunn50
Peter Pearce50
Moses Davis150
Mich: Breltuen100
Henry Robinson200
Christo. Copeland340
Thomas Faulkner50
Mr. James Wallace1300
Mr. Berthram Servant418
Robert Taylor50
Joseph Harris50
Wm. Robinson50
Wm. Boswell220
Wm. Winter70
John Lowry per Selden110
Edward Roe100
Henry James100
Richard Roatton50
Thomas Poole1200
John Wheat Land66
George Bell80
Widdow Ballis350
George Walker325
Mr. Robert Beverley777
Jno House157
Jno Bushell Jun150
Roger Masinbred50
John Shepherd210
Wm. Minsor150
Edward Lattimore190
James Baker225
Thomas Tucker60
Jno. Cotton50
Mark Johnson400
Major Wm. Armistead460
Coll. Antho. Armistead2140
Daniell Preeday50
Matthew Watts454
Bryan Penny50
Giles Dupra150
Jno Bayley415
Mary Simmons200
Jno Parish50
Antho. Griggs50
Abr: Parish100
Mark Parish200
Benj. Smith650
Thomas Nobling per Archer212
Wm. Mallory200
Widdow Croashell100
Charles Powers400
Robert Charwill per Jno Young440
Samuell Fingall333
Francis Savoy50
Mr. Edward Mihills600
Jane Nichols50
John Francis25
James Priest50
Simon Hollier200
Mr. Thomas Gebb630
Mr. Richard Booker526
Mr. Wm. Lowry526
Mr. Merry or Mrs Dunn500
Wm. Haslyitt100
Capt. Augustine More285
John More250
John Passones780
Rebeckha Morgan50
Thomas Roberts250[208]
Mr. John Turner50
Henry Lais50
Capt. Henry Jenkins300
Mr. Francis Ballard per Selden460
———
29560
Henry Royall Sheriff

A True & Perfect Rent Roll of all the Lands that is held in Warwick County 1704

Major Wm. Cary300
Mr. Nedler Plantacon80
Rober Hubbert101
Wm. Harwood625
Richard Glanvills Orphans165
Wm. Hubbert200
Henry Gibbs315
Wm. Hewitt150
James Hill135
John Golden50
Thomas Harwood575
Jno. Harwood704
Capt. Thomas Charles100
Hump: Harwood400
Matthew Wood300
Edward Joyner60
Coll. Dudley Diggs4626
Elizabeth Lucas800
John Hillard74
Edward Loftes60
Wm. Rowles Orphans150
Samuell Hatton225
Isaac Goodwin225
George Robinson70
Seymon Powell250
John Dawson300
Wades Orphans100
Henry Dawson200
John Bowger100
Joseph Cooper200
Robert Roberts60
George Burton330
Capt. Mills Wells425
Roger Daniell Orphans196
Jno Hansell100
Emanuell Wells325
Elizabeth Wells Widdow155
Widdow Lewelling100
Wm. Wells615
Elias Wells50
Widdow Pierce155
Thomas Haynes850
John Scarsbrook850
Francis Jones150
Matthew Jones750
Jno. Read875
Mr. Brewer Land1350
Mr. Henry Cary670
Langhorne Orphans602
Coll. Coles Orphans1350
Peter Jones150
Samuell Crew Orphans150
Samuell Symons173
Mrs. Elizabeth Whitaker600
Capt. Miles Cary600
John Cannon75
John Linton75
Richard Gough60
Coll. Miles Cary1960
Mr. Jno. Mallnote61
Rowlands Williams170
Robert Chapell150
James Chapell100
Edward Powers200
James White40
Peter Sawers Orphans95
Wm. Cotton143
James Cotton70
John Croley100
Stephen Burgess128
Widdow Yorgen60
George Jackson193
Sarah Ranshaw125
Richard Wootton243
Samuell Hoggard120
James Floyd100
Fr: Rice Orphans200
Mr. Math Hoggard270
Widdow Chapell321
Thomas Ascow50
Garrett Ridley300
Samuell Ranshaw238
Charle Stuckey86
Jos Naylor100
Jos Russell150
Charles Allen295[209]
Wm. Newberrey100
John Turmer100
Wm. Smith150
Elizabeth Holt150
James Browne150
Henry Royall246
Edward Rice375
Thomas Blackistone75
Mark Noble215
James Reynolds75
John Holmes200
Samuell Duberry200
Edward Powers200
Jno Hatton Orphans93
Wm. Lowland25
Thomas Morey363
Wm. Bracey150
Cope Doyley500
Nath Edwards100
Samuel Groves490
Croncher Orphans50
Henry Whitaker60
Woodman Land200
Wm Cook29
Jno Tignall392
Thomas Mountfort890
Joseph Mountfort558
James Priest50
Abr: Cawley80
Wm. Jones70
Edward Davis200
The County Land150
Denbigh per Gleab130
Mulberry Island Gleab50
Thomas Hansford75
Mr. Rascows Orphans1195
———
37685
Thomas Hansford never before paid75
———
37610
Persons out of the County
Jno Trevillian248
Holman Orphans200448
Robert Hubberd Sherriff

A Rent Roll of all the Land In York County 1704

Wm. Jackson200
Matt: Pierce100
Jno. Latin150
Robert Cobbs100
Francis Sharp100
Geo: Baskewyle350
Richard Gilford100
Jos: Frith50
Wm. Jones70
Nath: Crawley384
Thomas Crips750
Wm. Davis200
Lewis Barnoe80
Arthur Lun50
Jno. Bates669
Jno Serginton150
Wm. Taylor100
Richard Page150
Wm. Jorden580
Jno. Lynes150
Alex: Banyman50
Wm. Cobbs50
Mary Whaley550
Henry Tyler180
Richard Kendall150
Wm. Hansford300
Nicholas Sebrell150
David Stoner50
Ralph Hubberd50
Wm. Harrison50
Jno. Wyth100
Thomas Hill930
Thomas Vines200
Morgan Baptist100
Phil. Deadman75
Bazill Wagstaff127
Wm. Allen117
Robert Read750
Jos: Mountford307
Roger Boult100
Edward Fuller70
Thomas Jefferson100
Henry Duke25
Jno. Hansford100
Robert Peters160
Jno. Morland100
Wm. Lee350
Richard Burt200
John Eaton170
Rob: Starke250
Robt. Harrison200
Jno. Morris125
James Bates117
Elizabeth Jones94[210]
Edward Young100
Robert Green200
Tho: Fear100
Edward Thomas223
John Loyall100
Stephen Pond200
Wm. Wise850
Cornelius Shoohorn100
Joseph White750
Daniell Park Esq.2750
Thomas Fear Jun130
Orlando Jones450
Ambrose Cobbs163
Henry Dyer50
Wm. Davis100
Wm. Buckner302-1/2
Tho. Barber600
Elizb. Tindall60
Dudley Diggs1350
Wm. Hewitt150
Mary Collier433
Charles Collier684
Tho. Hansford75
Geo. Browne150
Wm. Gibbs50
Wm. Pekithman650
Jno. Smith150
Baldwin Matthews1300
Jno Daniell200
Seamor Powell130
Jno. Lewis Esq.300
Wm. Timson1000
Jno. Page490
Jos. Benjafield80
Tho. Stear60
Stephen Fouace565
Edmund Jenings Esq.850
Elizb. Archer370
Wm. Coman50
Elizb. Hansford100
Samll: Hill25
Jno. Anderson50
Tho Buck250
Lewis Burwell2100
Robt. Crawley400
Robt. Hyde200
Robt. Harrison250
Jeffry Overstreet50
Tho. Overstreet50
John Myhill52
Mary Roberts25
Benja. Stogsdall50
Tho Wade375
Jos: Walker615
Jno. Sanders100
Mongo Inglis400
Tho Holyday100
Jno. Williams100
Antho: Sebrell50
Robt. Jones100
James Cansebee200
Richd. Booker200
James Morris100
Henry Adkinson82
Robt. Jackson150
Anthoney Robinson183
Hannah Lamb50
James Calthorp900
Tho Boulmer265
Peter Pasque12
Jno. Chapman70
Jno. Pond112
Sarah Tomkins250
Robt. Kirby200
Tho. Kirby270
Edward Curtis200
Jno. Forgison200
Wm. Row902
Jno. Hunt550
Wm. Taverner100
Armiger Wade424
Richard Dixon450
Edmund Jennings Esq.1650
Jno. Persons300
Tho. Nutting375
Peter Manson150
Richard Slaughter275
James Persons350
Tho. Roberts450
Jno. Toomer335
Daniell Taylor225
Robert Hayes220
Henry Andros274
Jno. Wells750
Robert Curtis250
Tho. Cheesman Sen.1800
Jos Potter25
Hen: Heywood1300
David Holyday600
John Northern130
Jno. Doswell367
Isaac Powell100
Symon Staice200
Jno. Drewet200
Robert Topladie100
Jno. Potter93[211]
Lewis Vernum150
James Slaughter250
Tho: Burnham50
Jno: Doswell Jun100
Robert Shields400
Wm. Wilson50
Owen Davis247
Tho. Walker100
Richard Nixon150
Henry Clerk100
Elias Love25
Wm. Howard100
Jno. Sanderver100
Jno. Cox50
Tho. Gibbins100
Tho. Hind100
Tho Cheesman Jun600
Wm. Browne200
Jno. Rogers650
Jno. Moss150
Jno. Lawson100
Nicho. Philips150
Wm. Sheldon750
Jno. Wayman100
Tho Edmonds150
Lawrence Smith1700
James Paulmer150
Wm. Gurrow150
Peter Goodwin400
Robt. Snead50
Edward Cawley150
Wm. Gorden150
Jno. Hilsman75
Jno. Wright100
Jno. Gibons50
Elizb. Goodwin1200
Samuell Cooper150
Jno. Fips150
Tho Wooton150
Edward Moss759
Rebecka Watkins100
Wm. Whitaker1800
Hampton Parish200
Bruton parish Gleabe300
Robt. Ivy he living in James City County & no Tennt. on ye Land100
———
61132-1/2
Added to make up the old Roll168
———
61300-1/2
Wm. Barbar S Y C

The Rent Roll of the Land in James City County 1704

A
Adkinson Tho50
Adkinson Henry250
Armestone Joshua50
Adams Anne150
Argo James200
Abbitt Francis100
Apercon Wm.80
Allen Richard540
———
1420
B
Baker Jno.100
Bentley Jno125
Bess Edmund75
Burwell Lewis1350
Beckitt Tho60
Bray James3500
Bryon Jno.100
Bingley James100
Benham Jno.50
Brown James250
Bowers Wm.50
Broadnax Wm.1683
Bayley Wm100
Black Geo200
Bush Jno800
Ballard Tho100
Bray David5758
Burton Ralph200
Blankitt Henry100
Brand Richard125
Breeding Jno.100
Bruer Thackfield350
Blackley Wm142
Barratt Wm.305
Barron Tho100
Blankes Henry650
Bagby Tho180
Barnes Francis200
Brackitt Tho150
Browne Wm.1070
Buxton Samuell300
Bimms Christo.300
Ballard Wm.300[212]
Boman90
Benge Robert60
———
19123
C
Center Jno100
Clerk Wm.1100
Charles Phill200
Capell Tho.200
Cearley Wm.450
Clerk Robert300
Clerk Sarah200
Cole Richard80
Cooper Tho60
Cook Richard75
Cosby Charles250
Crawley Robert460
Cryer George100
Cobbs Ambrose350
Cock Jonathan250
Cowles Thomas675
———
4850
D
Dormar Jno.100
Drummond Wm150
Deane Jno150
Duckitt Abraham290
Danzee Jno Jacob Coignan4111
Deane Tho80
Deane Wm100
Drummond Jno700
Deane Tho150
Duke Tho750
Davey Francis778
Doby Jno.300
Duke Henry Jun50
Duke Henry Esq.2986
———
11695
E
Elerby Elizabeth600
Edmunds Elizabeth175
Eggleston Joseph550
Eglestone Benj.1375
———
2700
F
Fearecloth Tho277
Farthing Wm.50
Frayser Jno250
Fox Wm.50
Fouace Stephen150
Fish Jno.100
Freeman George197
Furrbush Wm.400
Flanders Francis350
———
1824
G
Goodrich Benj.1650
Gwin Jno.100
Garey Tho.60
Guilsby Tho.300
Graves Joseph250
Goss Charles171
Goodall Jno.400
Geddes476
Gill Jno.100
Green Tho.50
Gregory Nicho.50
Green Wm.100
Ginnings Phill.400
Gibson Gibey150
Goodman John275
Goodwin Robert150
Grice Aristotle700
Greene Tho500
———
5882
H
Hudson Wm50
Herd Leph.100
Hadley Dyonitia100
Hall Jno.50
Harvey George1425
Howard Jno.25
Hughes Geo.250
Harfield Mich50
Hudson George100
Hudson Leonard170
Hood Jno.250
Harris Wm.140
Hamner Nicho.500
Henley Leonard360
Hooker Edward1067
Higgins Jno.75
Henley Jno.100
Holiday Tho.250
Hitchcock John100
Holeman James150[213]
Hubert Matt1834
Handcock Robt.300
Haley James310
Hook Mick260
Hill Tho.310
Hatfield Richard100
Hilliard Jerimiah225
Hilliard John200
Hopkins John120
Hunt Wm.1300
Hix John115
Harrison Wm.150
Hawkins John200
Hix Joseph100
Harrison Benj. Jun100
———
10936
J
Inch Jno.30
Jone Fred300
Inglis Mingo1300
Jenings Edmund Esq.200
Jaquelin Edward400
Jeffrys Tho60
Jackson Elizabeth200
Jackson Richard150
Jeffrys Matt.100
Johnson Antho100
Jones Wm.50
Johnson Jno260
Jones Wm.150
Jordan John1000
———
4265
K
Knowstarp150
L
Lawrence Richard250
Ludwell Phil Esq6626
Lattoon John75
Lund Thomas100
Lillingtone Benj.100
Lidie Robt.500
Loftin Comeles200
Lightfoot Phil1650
Lightfoot Jno. Esq250
Love Jno.100
Loftin Comeles Jun200
Liney Wm.55
———
10106
M
Mookins Roger160
Macklin Wm300
Marston Wm150
Morris Edward Jun100
Manningaren150
Marston Tho1000
Martin Richard150
Maples Tho300
Muttlow Jno170
Morris James800
Moris David170
Myers Wm Jun100
Mountfort Tho600
Morris John195
Marble Geo135
Mallard Poynes100
Merryman James300
Morecock Tho700
Meekings Tho175
Marraw Dennis30
Major John100
———
5885
N
Norrell Hugh328
Nicholson Jno144
Nicholls Henry100
Nailer Wm300
O'Mooney Mary126
———
998
P
Prince George50
Page John1700
Page Mary900
Pigot Benj.90
Pall Wm450
Parker Tho1650
Peper Stephen100
Phillips Jno300
Pattison Alex100
Perkins Charles320
Philips Edward100
Philips Wm300
Pearman Wm270
Pearman Jno200
Pendexter Tho550
Parish Tho100
Pattisson Tho200[214]
Parke Daniell Esq1800
Pattison Catherine150
———
9330
R
Rhodes Randall50
Ryder Mary350
Rhodes Francis100
Rovell Jno50
Revis Wm.150
Russell Samuell350
———
1050
S
Stafford Mary210
Sanders Jno.50
Sewell Jno.75
Sprattley Jno.350
Smith Christo.450
Short Jno.90
Smallpage Robt.190
Santo Robt.100
Smith Jno.114
Slade Wm.80
Soane Henry750
Sykes Barnard1012
Selvey Jacob50
Sharp Jno.800
Shaley Jno.150
Simes Wm.650
Sorrell Mary500
Sherman Elizb.500
———
6121
T
Tinsley Edward100
Tinsley Richard100
Tomson James100
Thackson John289
Tyery Wm.1590
Thurston John500
Thomas Wm.150
Tyler Henry730
Tullett John625
Thomas Hanah100
Thomson Henry150
Twine Tho.100
Thomas Jno.250
———
4784
V
Vaughn Henry1900
Udall Matthew50
Verney Wm.50
Vaiding Isaac300
———
2300
W
Weathers Tho.130
Wood Richard130
Whitaker Wm.320
Ward Tho.100
Weldon Sarah100
Whaley Mary200
Winter Timo.250
Wilkins Samll.170
Wright Samll.100
Winter Wm.100
Williams Matt.75
Walker Alex.500
Williamson John120
Walker David150
Walker Alex. Jun.2025
Warberton Tho.190
Weldey Geo.317
Wragg Tho.500
Wooton Jno.150
Willson Jno.140
Wilkins Tho.600
Wood Edward300
Wood Tho.200
Walker David100
Ward Robt.800
Wright Mary175
Woodward Lanslett650
Woodward John650
Woodward Geo.350
Woodward Samll.350
Ward Henry150
Ward Edward150
———
10662
Y
Young Robt.350
Young Thomas350
———
700
114780[215]
Benj. Shottwater of York County300
Tho. Sorrell300
Mary Nosham at the Blackwater168
———
768
Henry Soane Junr. Sher.
The Totall of the Acres in James City County114780
Discovered of this for which the Sheriff is to be allowed the Qt. Rts. according to his Ex.cy odrs in Council6000
———
108780
108780 acres at 24 tob per
100 is
26107 tob
———
Whereof pd in Aronoco at 6 per Ct.4000
12.0.0
In Sweet Scented at 3s " 4d per Ct.22107
92.2.3
104.2.3

New Kent County Rent Roll

A Rent Roll of the Lands held of her Majtie in the Parish of St. Peters and St. Paulls. Anno 1704.

A
Alford John240
Allen Richard550
Alex Abraham100
Allen Robt.100
Austin245
Austin James700
Amos Fran100
Ashcroft Tho180
Aldridge Jno250
Atkinson Jno300
Anthony Mark190
Anderson Jno100
Anderson Robt900
Arise Margt200
Austin Rich50
Anderson Robt.700
Anderson David300
Anderson Rich200
Allen Reynold205
Allvis George325
Aron Josiah200
Amos Nocho50
Allen Daniell250
Allen Samll150
Anderson John100
Ashley Charles100
———
6785
B
Bourn Wm140
Bray Sarah790
Bradbury Geo100
Brothers Jno200
Bayley Jno80
Beck Wm Mr.200
Butts Alice150
Burnell Mary Mrs.2750
Bassett Wm.550
Ball David200
Baughan Jno Junr300
Bassett Tho350
Blackburn Rowland700
Baker Christo100
Beer Peter100
Brooks Richd85
Burnell Edwd200
Brown Jno100
Bullock Richd450
Blackwell James Junr200
Brooks Robt45
Bulkley Benj200
Blackwell950
Baughan Jno100
Baughan Joseph100
Bostock Jno100
Bostock Wm80
Bumpus Robt.100
Burwell Lewis200
Bryan Charles100
Bullock Edwd450
Blalock Jno492
Baker Jno130
Bearne Henry50[216]
Buhly Jno225
Bow Henry200
Bradley Tho255
Barker Cha100
Bugg Samll60
Baskett Wm. Esq.1250
Beck Wm.433
Beare Joseph150
Barrett Christo60
Baughtwright Jno250
Bad Samll150
Banks Andrew50
Baker Richd80
Bowles John500
Bunch John100
Burnett Jno150
Barnhowes Richd1600
Barbar Tho500
Burkett Tho41
Bates Edwd50
Breeding John300
Brewer Mary100
Bassett Wm. Esq.4100
Bradingham Robt.150
Baxter James90
———
21786
C
Cotrell Richd200
Clarkson David200
Crump Stephen60
Crump Wm.330
Clopton Wm.454
Chandler Robt.160
Crump Richd.60
Cambo Richd.80
Crawford David Junr400
Crawford David Mr.300
Chambers Edwd235
Clerk Edwd282
Collett Tho100
Clerk Christo300
Cocker Wm.1000
Case Hugh100
Carley Richd80
Chiles Henry700
Cook Abraham200
Crump Elizb80
Colum Richd130
Crump James150
Crump Robt150
Clough Capt.80
Chandler Wm.300
Chandler Francis150
Cordey Tho.150
Currell Andrew30
Croome Joell600
Crutchfield Peter400
Chesley Wm.500
Crutchfield Junr400
Carlton Wm.140
Chambers George100
Cox Wm.350
———
9251
D
Dolerd Wm50
Dennett John350
Durham James100
Dumas Jerimiah250
Deprest Robt350
Dodd John300
Dabony James320
Davis Elizar375
Duke Henry Esq.325
Dibdall Jno800
Darnell Rachell100
Duke Henry Esq.170
Davis John80
Davenport Mest125
Daniell John150
———
3845
E
Eperson John120
Elmore Tho300
Elmore Tho Junr100
Ellicon Garratt Robt520
England Wm.490
Elderkin John300
Elmore Peter100
English Mungo500
Ellis Wm.100
———
2530
F
Finch Edwd300
Foster Joseph800
Forgeson Wm507
Fleming Charles920
Francis Tho150
Freeman Wm.200[217]
Fenton Widdo270
Feare Edmd200
Fisher Wm.100
———
3447
G
Goodger Jno200
Green Edwd200
Gibson Tho370
Garrat James375
Gonton Jno250
Glass Tho150
Graham Tho250
Gleam Jno300
Giles Jno120
Gentry Nicho250
Garland Edwd2600
Glass Anne150
Granchaw Tho480
Greenfield Fran.80
Gillmett Jno160
Gawsen Phillip50
Gillmett Richd150
Glassbrook Robt400
Gadberry Tho200
Gill Nicho222
Gosling Wm460
Goodring Alexander100
Gills John100
Grindge Richd225
———
7442
H
Herlock John320
Hilton Jno300
Hughs Jno180
Huberd Jno827
Howie Jno150
Howie Jno Junr100
Hughs Robt966
Harris Edmd100
Harris Tho100
Hawes Haugton850
Harris John146
Hill Jno250
Hester Fra300
Horsley Rowland250
Herman Robt300
Hughes Rees400
Hill Samll300
Holled Samll100
Harrelston Paul360
Hatfield Wm318
Harris Wm125
Harris Benj100
Horkeey John800
Hairy John280
Haiselwood Jno200
Haiselwood Tho150
Hockiday Wm300
Holdcroft Henry95
Hogg Mary140
Harmon Wm350
Hogg Jno. Junr260
Harris Wm100
Hopkins Wm200
Howes Job300
Hight John100
Hankins Charles340
Harris Wm150
Harris Robt75
Handey Wm150
Hogg Wm200
Haselwood Richd100
Harlow Tho230
Hutton Geo150
———
11312
J
Jackson Tho500
Izard Fran1233
Jarratt Robt1600
Johnson Mich40
Jones John100
Johnson Wm265
Jones Jane200
Johnson John100
Johnson Edwd150
Jennings Robt100
Jones Fredirick500
Johes John100
Jeeves Tho100
Jones Francis200
Jones John100
Jones Evan500
———
5838
K
King Elizb300
Kembro Jno540
Kembro Jno Junr150
Keeling Geo1500
———
2490[218]
L
Lightfoot John Esq.3600
Littlepage Richd2160
Losplah Peter100
Lestrange Tho200
Liddall Geo100
Lawson Nicho200
Levermore Phill1000
Lewis John Esq2600
Lawson John50
Lewis John375
Lovell Geo920
Lovell Charles250
Leak Wm280
Logwod Tho100
Lacey Wm500
Lacey Tho100
Lacey Emanuell180
Luke Jno150
Lochester Robt80
Lewis Tho115
Lee Edwd120
Lochester Edwd80
Law James100
Laton Reubin100
Linsey Joseph1150
Linsey Wm50
Lane Tho100
———
14760
M
Millington Wm Junr450
Mitchell Stephen Junr75
Millington Wm200
Moss Samll200
Mitchell Tho300
Meanley Wm100
Minis Tho200
Mitchell Stephen200
Moor Pelham125
Martin Tho100
Martin Martin150
Morris Robt245
Moss Tho430
Morgan Edwd50
Moon Stephen70
Major Wm456
Murroho Jno100
Moor Jno250
Masey Tho300
Martin John400
Masey Peter100
Madox John300
Martin Wm230
Martin James100
Moss James720
Moon Tho65
McKing Alexander170
McKoy Jno300
Merridith Geo400
Melton Richd290
Morreigh John110
Merfield John210
Mills Nicho300
Mask Jno411
Medlock John350
Moor Edwd65
McKgene Wm13-1/2
Merriweather Nicho3327
Mage Peter450
Mitchell Wm512
Marr Geo100
Moor Anne75
Mutray Tho382
Mirideth James270
Mohan Warwick850
Muttlow James150
Morgan Matthew210
Morris John450
Markham Tho100
Moxon Wm100
Mackony Elizb250
Meacon Gideon270
———
16149-1/2
N
Nucholl James300
Neaves James150
Nonia Richd100
Norris Wm100
———
650
O
Osling John150
Otey John290
Oudton Matt190
———
630
P
Page John Junr400
Pendexter Geo1490
Pattison David300[219]
Park Jno Junr300
Park John200
Pease John100
Philip Geo100
Penix Edwd200
Plantine Peter240
Pendexter Tho1000
Pyraul James150
Pullam Wm575
Purdy Nicho200
Page Mary Madm3450
Perkins John120
Paite Jerim220
Pasley Robt300
Perkins Wm305
Pait John1500
Petever Tho100
Pittlader Wm147
Pickley Tho281
Pittlader Tho295
Petty Stephen200
Porter John100
Petty John2190
Park Coll7000
Purly John100
———
21573
R
Raglin Evan300
Raglin Evan Junr100
Raglin Tho100
Ross Wm150
Richardson Henry300
Raymond James80
Reynold Tho255
Reyley Jno100
Reynolds Jonah50
Rhoads Charles175
Reynolds Samll820
Rice Tho300
Redwood John1078
Rule Widdo50
Richardson Richard890
Russell John550
Richardson John1450
Richard Eman1250
Round Free Wm100
Randolph Widdo100
———
8928
S
Styles John200
Smith Nathll82
Sanders Wm40
Spear Robt450
Sanders James60
Scott John300
Scrugg Richd100
Strange Alexander450
Smith Wm110
Scrugg Jno50
Snead Tho200
Sunter Stephen478
Symons Josiah100
Sanders John130
Stephens Wm100
Stanley Tho150
Sandidge Jno100
Sprattlin Andrew654
Snead John75
Smith James80
Sexton Wm80
Sims Jno1000
Smith Roger300
Sherritt Henry100
Salmon Thomas50
Sanders Tho25
Symons George125
Stamp Ralph625
Stanop Capt1024
Stanup Richd325
Shears Paul200
Stepping Tho350
Slater James700
———
9813
T
Tony Alexandr170
Tovis Edmd100
Turner Henry250
Turner Wm250
Turner Geo400
Thorp Tho200
Thurmond Richd131-1/2
Tucker Tho700
Turner James50
Thompson James100
Tully Wm200
Turner Geo Junr200
Tate James160
Town Elizb100
Thomasses Orphans500
Tinsley Cournelius220
Tyler100[220]
Tinsley Tho150
Tirrell Wm400
Taylor Tho25
Tinsley Jno130
Tapp Jno110
Tyrrey James150
Tyrrey Alexandr210
Thompson Capt.2600
Tyrey Thom190
Taylor Joseph150
Taylor Lemuell212
Taylor Thomas350
Twitty Thomas200
———
8708-1/2
V
Upsherd Jon60
Vaughan Wm300
Via Amer50
Venables Abr.100
Venables John200
Vaughan John250
Vaughan Vincent410
———
1370
W
Wintby Jacob250
Winfry Charles100
Waddill Jno40
Walker Wm650
Walton Edwd150
Wilson Jno200
Waddill Wm375
Warring Peter88
Wingfield Tho150
Weaver Sam100
Wyatt Alice1300
West Nath6370
Webb Mary200
Wilmore Jno100
Webster Joseph80
West Giles200
Wharton Tho270
Willis Fran134
Waddy Samll150
Willford Charles100
Waid James150
White Jno320
Wood Henry100
Woody Symon50
Woody Jno100
Winstone Antho310
Winstone Isaac850
Woody James130
Winstone Sarah275
Watson Theophilus325
Woodson Jno600
Walton Edwd450
Wood Walter100
Watkins Wm50
Wilkes Joseph250
Williams Clerk300
Willis Stephen500
Williams Tho100
Worrin Robt300
Woodull James200
Walker Capt400
Wilson James60
Wheeler John75
Williams Wm.100
White John190
———
17292
Y
Yeoman John50
Yeoell Judith150
———
200
Quit Rents that hath not been paid this 7 year viz.
Richarson Matt200
Wm Wheeler150
Coll Parkes300
———
650
Lands that the Persons lives out of the County viz.
Coll Lemuell Batthurst800
Robt Valkes500
The Heirs of Bray500
———
1800
A6785
B21786
C9251
D3845
E2530
F3447
G7442
H11312[221]
J5838
K2490
L14760
M16149-1/2
N650
O630
P21573
R8298
S9813
T8708-1/2
V1370
W17292
Y200
———
173870
James Mosse Sherriff

A full & Perfect Rent Roll of all the Land held of her Majtie in Charles City County this Present Year 1704 by Patents &c.

A
Aliat John100
B
Bradley Joseph200
Baxter John250
Bishop Robt200
Bedingfield Theo110
Botman Harman100
Burton Henry100
Burwell Lewis8000
Brooks Robt150
Blanks Richard Senr250
Blanks Richd Junr125
Blanks Tho125
Bradford Richd1397
Brown Marmaduke100
Bray David230
———
11337
C
Cole Robt80
Codell Richd100
Clark Edwd962-1/4
Clark Daniell250
Clark Joseph230
Christian Tho1273
Cock Edwd350
Cock Richd975
———
3258
D
Davis Thomas200
Davis Richd118
———
318
E
Edwards John287-1/2
Epes Littlebury400
Epes John500
Ele Samll682
Evans John800
———
2669-1/2
F
Floyd Geo243
Fowler Richd150
Flowers Samll200
———
593
G
Gunn James250
Grosse Edwd100
———
350
H
Hamlin Jno143-1/2
Hill Edwd2100
Haynes Nicho125
Harwood John100
Howood James200
Hattle Shard112
Harwood Joseph659
Harwood Samll350
Harwood Robt312-1/2
Hunt Wm3130
Hunt John1500
Harmon Elizb479
Hyde Wm120
Hamlin Stephen80
Hamlin Tho264
———
16015
J
Irby Wm103
Javox James100[222]
Jordin Edwd100
Justis Justinian200
———
503
L
Lowlin Danll600
Lawrence James100
———
700
M
Manders James100
Minge James1086
Mountford Jeffry100
Marvell Tho1238
Moodie Samll82
Muschamp John80
———
2686
N
New Edwd100
New Robt300
———
400
O
Owen Wm100
Owen David100
———
200
P
Parker Tho1667
Parish Wm100
Parish Charles100
Parker James160
Parish Edwd100
Parish John100
———
2227
R
Roach Jno Senr630
Renthall Joseph270
Russell Samll253
Roper John220
Royall Joseph262
———
1635
S
Smith Obidiah100
Sampson Widdo211
Stith Drewry1240
Stith John1395
Stockes John476
Stockes Silvanus Senr250
Stokes Silvanus Junr550
Speares Geo225
———
4447
T
Tanner Tho2000
Tarendine John150
Turner Edwd195
Trotman Anne120
———
2465
V
Vernon Walter240
W
Wyatt Widdo800
Woodam Tho100
Waren John54
———
954
A100
B11337
C3258
D318
E2669-1/2
F593
G350
H16015
J503
L700
M2686
N400
O200
P2227
R1635
S4447
T2465
V240
W954
———
52059-1/2[223]
An account of what Land that I cannot get the Quit Rents the Persons living out of the County
Josep Parish at Kiquotan100
Richd Smith James City Cty350
Danll Hayley200
Wm Lagg Henrico Cty100
———
750
Tho Parker Sheriff

The Quit Rent Roll of King William County

Armsby John200
Alvey Robt400
Andrew Wm100
Abbott Robt100
Arnold Anthony100
Arnold Benj1000
Alcock John190
Adam James400
Anderson Wm Capt150
Burwell Majr4700
Bunch Paul150
Baker John250
Burges Edwd150
Buttris Robt400
Bibb Benj100
Browne Joseph270
Bell Edwds580
Burch Henry200
Burrel Suprian350
Baker Tho100
Bobo Elizb200
Bird Wm Maj Qr1200
Burrus John60
Butler Thomas150
Burrus Thomas60
Bassett Coll Qr1550
Bray James Qr1400
Browne Abraham250
Brightwell Elizb300
Bickley Joseph150
Claibourne Wm Coll3000
Claibourne Tho Capt1000
Claibourne John50
Coakes Robert100
Cradock Samll600
Cockram Wm200
Cockram Joseph600
Celar John100
Chadwick Wm150
Cathern John180
Carr Thomas500
Chiles Henry Qr700
Craushaw Thomas150
Clark Margarett100
Coates Wm50
Douglas Wm200
Davis Lewis200
Davis Wm200
Downer John300
Downes Elias300
Davenport Davis200
Dorrell Sampson Qr5000
Davenport Martin100
Davis Robert200
Dickason Wm100
Dickason Thomas100
Dillon Henry150
Dabney James200
Dabney George290
Dabney Benj200
Davis John200
Elly Richd100
Egny Elizb100
Elliot Thomas480
Edward James350
Elliott James1700
Fox John Capt.600
Fox Henry2000
Finton Francis100
Fuller Anthony150
Foord John Junr300
Foord Wm800
Fullalove Thomas100
Fleming Charles Qr1700
Graves John Qr100
Garratt Thomas200
Geeres Thomas100
Green John100
Gravatt Henry150
Goodin Majr Qr200
Glover Wm100
Herriott George200
Hollins John200
Higgason John350
Holderbee Wm100
Holliday Wm100
Hayfield Wm100
Hampton John50[224]
Huckstep Edwd150
Hurt Wm Junr90
Hurt Wm Senr250
Hurt John500
Hendrick Hans700
Handcock Thomas200
Hayden John150
Hobday Edwd150
Hill Thomas150
Hutchinson Wm600
Hill Francis300
Hill Gabriell250
Hill Edwd Coll Qr3000
Hayle Joseph200
Johns Jane240
Johnson Wm300
Johnson Coll Qr600
Johns Wm100
Isabell Wm150
James Jonathan300
Inge Vincent100
Jones Frederick Qr2850
Jenings Coll Qr4000
King Robert Qr300
Kettlerise Symon200
Lee John20
Lypscomb Ambrose600
Lasy Wm100
Lypscomb Wm300
Littlepage Richd Capt Qr2600
Lypscomb John200
Mallory Thomas150
Mallory Roger100
Miles Daniell350
Mr Gehee Thomas250
Marr John200
Morris Wm440
Maybank Wm100
Mr Donnell John150
Maddison Henry650
Merriweather Nicho Qr600
Mullene Matthew150
Madison John Qr300
Norment Joseph800
Norment Samll100
Noyce Wm650
Napier Robert100
Owens Hugh300
Oustin John350
Oakes John350
Oliver John140
Palmer Martin1200
Peek John100
Pynes Nathaniell1400
Pee Thomas400
Purlevant Arthur100
Powers David200
Pollard Wm Qr500
Pemberton Geo180
Page John Qr1000
Pickrell Gabriell100
Parks Coll Qr4500
Quarles John100
Reynolds Wm100
Robert Maurice200
Randall John100
Ray James100
Rhodes Nicholas150
Sandlan Nicholas700
Strutton Thomas150
Streett Wm350
Shilling George300
Satterwhite Charles150
Slaughter Geo100
Slaughter Martin130
Stark John500
Sanders Jushua100
See Mathew200
Sellers Jacob350
Spruse Jeremy150
Smith Edmd150
Spencer Thomas600
Slaughter John90
Smith Christo Qr800
Slaughter Henry100
Toms Wm150
Towler Matthew150
Terry Thomas300
Terry Stephen330
Tomason Thomas150
Terry James400
Traneer John100
Vickrey Henry450
West John Coll1800
Winfree Henry300
West Tho Capt1000
Whitworth John200
Whitlock John200
Willeroy Abraham550
Williams Phillip100
Williams Griffith240
Wood Thomas300
Whitehead John100
Woolsey Jacob130
Williams John150
Williams Samll600[225]
Wright Thomas150
Whitbee Robert800
West Nathanll Capt2000
Waller John Majr800
Willis Wm250
Wheelis Joseph130
Wormley Madam Qr3000
Winston William170
Whitehead Phillip3000
Yancey Charles100
Yarborough John150
Yarborough Richard300
———
100950
Wm Stanard M.S.1000
James Wood K.Q.500
Zachary Lewis K.Q.450
Peter Kemp G.C.600
Wm Beck N.K.1600
Tho. Hickman K.Q.550
Benj Clement G.C.600
David Bray J.C.C.1000
Job House N.K.2000
Harry Beverley M.S.600
Chillian White G.C.300

A True Account of the Lands in King & Queen County as it was taken by Robt. Bird Sherriff in the year 1704.

A
Alford John200
Austin Danll80
Asque John320
Adams Johns200
Arnold Edwd150
Allin Thomas100
Adkinson John250
Austin Thomas100
Adamson David100
Anderson Richd650
Allcock Dorothy150
———
2300
B
Baker Wm350
Beverley Robt. Qr.3000
Bennett Alexander200
Breeding Geo200
Bennett Wm150
Bowles Robt100
Bennett Sawyer150
Baylor John3000
Bell Roger150
Burford Wm150
Bray John230
Blake Wm290
Boisseau James Quart900
Blake Wm Junr210
Brown Lancelet385
Burch Jno100
Burch Wm100
Brown Tho. Blakes Land300
Bridgeforth James355
Bagby Robt550
Banks Wm1079
Bullock John200
Bird Wm572
Broach Jno1200
Braxton Geo2825
Blanchet John125
Bowker Ralph330
Bine Edmd111
Barber James750
Burgess Wm100
Bond Jno100
Breemer John1100
Bland Henry150
Breemer John Junr200
Bowden Tho.150
Barton Andrew150
Barlow Henry200
Baskett John150
Batterton Tho.100
Baker James322
Bill Robt.150
Bocus Reynold150
Bourne George200
Bird Robt.1324
———
22535
C
Cane Jno300
Chessum Alexandr150
Cook Benjamin200
Cook Thomas Junr50
Cook Thomas Senr100
Cook Jno50
Cleyton John400[226]
Chapman Mary200
Cleyton Jeremy325
Crane Wm120
Camp Thomas250
Carleton Christo200
Carleton Jno.300
Carter Timo.350
Coleman Tho.300
Coleman Daniell470
Cleyton Susannah Widdo700
Collier Robt.100
Crane Wm.300
Crane Tho.320
Chapman John200
Caughlane James100
Cotton Catherine50
Collier Charles450
Collier John400
Collins Wm.350
Cammell Alexandr.200
Chin Hugh100
Conner Timo.1410
Collins James Yard Qr300
Corbin Gowin2000
Crisp Tobias100
Carters Qr300
Carlton Tho.200
Carlton Anne300
Clough George Qr390
———
12235
Clerk and Cordell both in Glocester1000
D
Widdo Durrat200
Day Alexander Maj. Beverley Qr300
Doe Wm.300
Dilliard Nicho.150
Dilliard Edwd.150
Dimmock Tho.150
Dismukes Wm.200
Duett Charles900
Didlake James200
Durham John100
Dunkley John380
Duson Tho.448
Davis Nathll.300
Deshazo Peter450
Davis Jno90
Davis Edwd100
Dillard Thomas170
Davis Richd250
Dillard Geo325
Duglas James275
Dayley Owen180
———
5618
E
Eachols John220
Ellis John400
Eastham George300
Ewbank Wm350
Eastham Edwd Junr800
Edwds John100
Eastham Edwd100
Eastes Abraham200
Eyes Cornelius100
Emory Ralph100
Ellis Timothy350
———
3020
F
Forsigh Thomas150
Farquson James300
Flipp John80
Farish Robt1400
Fielding Henry1000
Farmer John50
Fothergill Richd675
Fortcon Charles400
Forgett Charles150
Robt Fothergill150
———
4355
Farmer John not paid for200
Fox Margarett not pd for100
G
Gadberry Edwd100
Griffin Edwd100
George Richd100
Griffin David100
Graves Robt150
Graves Jno150
Gardner Ringing200
Gray Joseph200
Gilby John300
Gray Samll40
Gresham Jno200
Gresham Edwd175
Good John200
Gresham George150[227]
Garrett Danll200
Gamble Tho. Majors Land450
Gresham Tho225
Graves Jno150
Guttery Jno230
Greogory Frances Widdo700
Gough Alice Widdo800
Griggs Francis250
Garrett John330
Garrett Humphrey200
Gibson Widdo200
Garrett Robt200
———
6100
H
Hand Thomas150
Hayle John Qr685
Honey James200
Holloway Wm100
Herndon James100
Hoomos George725
Hodges Thomas250
Hayle Joseph250
Hayes John100
Haynes Wm494
Holcomb Wm Bradfords Land700
Henderson John Thackers Land200
Hodgson Widdo200
Henderson Widdo300
Henderson Wm162
Housburrough Morris, Harts Land200
Hesterley John200
Hill John200
Hordon Wm70
Harris Wm250
Hart Tho200
Hockley Robt100
Howard Peter300
Hardgrove Wm100
Herring Arthur50
Hickman Thomas700
Hunt Wm312
Hobs Wm250
Hicks Richd250
Howden Wm100
Howerton Thomas300
———
8098
Holt Joseph lives in Maryland321
Mayward Tho in Glocester600
J
Jones Tho150
Jones Robt200
Jeffrys Richd337
Jones Robt Junr130
Johnson James200
Jones Wm900
———
1917
K
King John150
Kallander Timo100
Kink Anne275
King Edwd200
Knowles Dorothy Qr150
King Robt100
Kenniff Danby100
King Daniell200
———
1335
L
Loveing John100
Lyon Peter250
Leigh John6200
Lumpkin Robt400
Lee Wm230
Loob Wm100
Loft Richd320
Lewis Tachary350
Lumpkin Jacob950
Lewis David120
Lewis John Esq10100
Lewis Edwd1400
Lemon Elizb100
Lynes Rebecca405
Levingstone John600
Levingstone Samll100
Lawrence Matthew210
Letts Arthur475
Langford John150
Levingstone Jno Sowels Land750
———
23310
Leftwich Thomas in Essex75[228]
M
May John300
Musick George100
Major Jno250
Martin John300
More Austines Qr200
May Tho300
Moore Samll100
Maddison Jno500
Morris Wm130
Martin Elizb400
Mackay Sarah177
May John Piggs Land200
Major Francis700
Mansfield Thomas60
Morris Henry100
Major John400
Melo Nicho200
Marcartee Daniell200
Morris Wm300
Mead Wm100
Matthews Edwd160
Martin Cordelia Wido200
———
5377
N
Nelson Henry440
Neal John50
Nason Joshua200
Norman Wm300
Norris James100
———
1090
O
Owen Ralph120
Ogilvie Wm300
Orrill Lawrence290
Orrill Wm500
Orsbourn Michaell90
Overstreet James Qr180
ditto at home50
———
1530
P
Powell Robt500
Prewitt Wm200
Paine Bernard130
Pomea Francis100
Philip Charles250
Pettitt Thomas548
Pollard Robt500
Pollard Wm100
Phinkett Elizb500
Pemberton Tho.115
Pickles Tho93
Potters Francis Wido Neals Land100
Parks James200
Purchase Geo Qr580
Page Jno100
Pritchett David225
Pigg Henry61
Page John Junr300
Pigg Edwd250
Phelps Tho400
Pendleton Philip300
Pendleto Henry700
Pann John200
Paytons quarts500
Pigg John100
Pamplin Robt150
Pryor Christo175
Paulin Elizb175
———
7552
Pate John in Glocester1000
Q
Quarles James300
Quarles Dyley Zacha: Lewis Land300
———
600
R
Richard Robt300
Rings Quarter1000
Robinson Daniel100
Roger Giles475
Rice Michaell200
Richeson Tho460
Richeson Elias180
Read Elizb550
Russell Alexandr Wyatts Land400
Robinson Robt980
Rowe John100
Richards John914
Richards Wm400
Richards Oliver250
Riddle Tho Reads Land700
Roy Richd1000
Ryley Elias200[229]
Rollings Peter150
———
8359
John the son of Robt Robinson hold, which nobody pays for750
S
Sebrill John130
Stone Mary100
Smiths in Bristoll Qr2800
Stone Jno295
Stubbelfield Geo Qr400
Scandland Denis1470
Swinson Richd170
Smith Christo200
Smith Jno Cooper273
Smith Alexander275
Seamour Wm268
Sones Tho150
Shepard Jane100
Southerland Danll200
Shoot Tho100
Shepheard Joseph100
Shea Patrick200
Southerland Danll200
Smith Nicho700
Sanders Nathll200
Smith John Sawyer80
Shuckelford Roger250
Skelton John100
Snell John150
Simpio Charles100
Sawrey John113
Stringer Margt175
Spencer Tho300
Sykes Stephen50
Smith Francis100
Smith Richd150
Sparks John200
Surly Tho100
Stapleton Tho200
Story John3000
Spencer Katherine600
———
14599
Shippath Sr Wm Which is not paid for700
Stark Tho of London which is not paid for920
Stubblefield Geo in Glocester400
Smith Austin in Glocester4000
T
Turner Richard200
Todd Thomas Quarts2300
Taylor James4000
Toy Thomas175
Taylor Danll70
Thomas Rowland610
Tunstall Tho550
Todd Richd1050
Towley John200
Trice James350
Tureman Ignatius100
Turner Thomas267
Thacker C. C.1000
———
10872
U
Vaughan Cornelius500
Vize Nathll100
Uttley John200
———
800
W
Wood James800
Wilkinson John100
Wright Tho300
Watkins Wm137
Wiltshier Joseph60
Watkins Edwd98
Watkins Philip203
White Thomas200
Walker John6000
Wilson Benj Wyats Land420
Wyat Richd1843
Walton Thomas200
Wyat John530
Withy Thomas50
Williams Thomas200
Watts Tho235
Ward Samll160
Watkins Benj60
Watkins Tho Junr125
Williams Elizb900
Waldin Samll275
Ware Edwd735
William John125
Ware Vallentine487
Willbourn Tho250
Wildbore Wm100
Ware Nicho718
White Jerimiah200[230]
Whorein John200
Wise Richd quarts209
Walker John, Johnsons Land1000
———
16920
Wadlington Paul not paid for being150
Y
York Matthew100
A2300
B22535
C12235
D5618
E3020
F4355
G6100
H8098
J1917
K1335
L23310
M5377
N1090
O1530
P7552
Q600
R8359
S14599
T10872
U800
W16920
Y100
———
158522
Lands returned not paid for
C1000
F300
H920
L75
P1000
R750
S6020
W150
———
10215

Glocester Rent Roll

A Rent Roll in Petso Parish

Capt David Alexander1050
James Amis250
John Acre100
Wm Armistead430
Ralph Baker150
Martha Brooken600
Thomas Buckner850
Samll Bernard550
Wm Barnard810
Richd Bailey600
Mary Booker100
Thomas Cook350
Wm Crymes400
Jno Cobson100
Robt. Carter1102
Wm Collone400
Hannah Camell100
Benj Clements400
Jno Cleake100
Wm Cook135
Jno Coleman200
Jno Day400
Jerim Darnell150
Jno Darnell60
James Dudley780
Richd Dudley400
Thomas Dudley200
Thomas Dixon300
Jno Drument80
Samll Fowler150
Wm Fleming600
Wido Forginson150
Wm Fockner180
Jno Grymes1400
Susannah Grinley200
Darcas Green400
Jno Grout300
Jno Harper100
Wm Howard300
Richd Hubard100
Wm Hasford500
Jno Hanes150
Alextnder How120
Richd Hill70
Robt Hall100
Richd Hull250
Sanll Hawes200
Stephen Johnson150[231]
Wm Jones for Northington530
Glebe Land127
Jno Kingson400
Capt Edwd Lewis1000
Richd Lee Esq1140
Nicho Lewis orphen350
Wm Milner900
Richd Minor250
Edwd Musgrove100
Hayes an orphan60
Elizb Mastin360
Jno Mackwilliams50
Robt Nettles300
Wm Norman150
Isaac Oliver100
Dorothy Oliver130
Jno Pritchett850
Jno Pate1100
Richd Price600
Madm Porteus500
Madm Page550
Pobt Porteus892
Guy Parish100
Wm Roane500
James Reynolls200
George Robinson300
John Royston570
Thomas Read2000
Wm Richards in Pamunkey150
Jno Shackelford280
Edward Symons500
Nicho Smith280
John Stubs300
Thomas Sivepson280
John Smith1300
Augustin Smith200
Augustin Smith Junr500
Wm Starbridge159
Wm Thornton Senr525
Wm Thornton Junr800
Wm Thurston200
Wm Upshaw490
Francis Wisdom150
Thomas West112
Thomas Whiting450
George Williams100
Conquest Wyatt2200
Seth Wickins50
Walter Waters200
Jane Wothem60
Robt Yard450
Robt Hall250
Wm Whittmore Desarted150
Wm Parsons Orphen100
Edwd Stephens70
John Kelley Orphen150
———
41132
Tho Neale

Glocester Rent Roll

A Rent Roll of Kingston Parish

Rose Curtis400
Robt Peyton680
Richd Perrott35
Henry Preston1500
Sarah Green200
Robt Cully200
Thomas Hayes140
Andrew Bell128
Humphry Toy1100
Anne Aldred350
Dunkin Bahannah113-1/2
Richd Hunley50
Capt Gayle164
Math. Gayle Junr250
James Hundley100
John Hundley130
Philip Hundley660
Tho Cray200
Hen. Knight240
John Williams50
Richd Beard380
Timothy Hundley300
Thomas Bedford50
Jno Floyd250
John Bohannah113-1/2
Capt Armistead3675
Christopher Dixon300
Robt Bristow Esqr900
Edwd Gowing100
Tho Ryland272
John Nevill100
Lawrence Parrott340
Wm Brooks720
Joseph Bohannah148[232]
Wm Hampton348
Widdo Green150
Capt Dudley650
Capt. Knowles575
Capt. Tho. Todd775
Wm Beard100
Wm. Tomkins100
Henry Bolton50
Wm Eliott1060
Humphrey Tompkins100
Daniel Hunter200
Thomas Peyton684
Richd Dudley350
James Ransom Junr310
Tho. Peters30
Robt. Elliott1247
Mich. Parriett100
Jno. Meachen Junr600
Caleb Linsey140
Alexandr Ofield23
Mark Thomas300
Jno. Garnet250
Wm. Plumer510
Wm. Brumley750
Wm. Credle50
Charles Jones225
Robt. Sadler50
Edwd Sadler20
Geo Roberts170
Richd Longest600
Tho. Fliping300
Charles Watters100
Wm. Grundy200
Thomas Kemp200
Tho. Allaman842
Coll Kemp200
Ralph Shipley430
George Turner50
Coll. James Ransom1400
Thomas Putman300
Richd Marchant180
Widdo Sinoh300
Christopher Rispue200
Benj. Read550
Walter Keble550
Joseph Brooks500
Capt. Gwin1100
Lindseys Land390
Thomas Garwood77
John Callie1000
Tho. Miggs100
Richd Glascock500
Jno Lylley584
Geo. Billups1200
Robt. Singleton650
James Foster225
John Andrews50
Thomas Rice34
John Martin200
Capt. Smith550
Capt. Sterling1100
John Diggs1200
Wm. Howlett300
Jno. Miller100
Andrew Ripley40
Francis Jarvis460
Wm. Armistead300
John Banister650
Tho. Plumer400
Isaac Plumer200
James Taylor50
Edwd Borum360
Widdo Davis300
Sam. Singleton300
Wm. Morgan Senr50
Wm. Morgan Junr200
John Bacon825
Henry Singleton600
John Edwards534
Patrick Berry250
Anne Forest500
———
46537
Ambrose Dudley
1705

Glocester Rent Roll

A Rent Roll in Ware Parish

Thomas Poole600
Anne Croxson300
Thomas Purnell163
Nocholas Pamplin210
Simon Stubelfield200
Jno. Price600
Saml. Vadrey400
Samll Dawson350[233]
Nathan: Burwell600
John Dawson780
Tho. Bacop200
Robt. Francis400
Walter Greswell50
Tho. Read400
James Shackelfield35
Robt. Freeman135
Jno. Marinex100
Isaac Valine100
Tho. Haywood70
Hugh Marinex50
Leonard Ambrose200
Philip Grady200
Capt. Wm. Debnam1250
James Burton100
Jno. Spinks300
Wm. Hurst200
Sarah More67
John Ray100
Robt. Pryor300
Christo. Greenaway270
Capt. Throgmorton500
James Clark250
Philip Cooper200
Jno. Kindrick100
Samll. Simons120
Wm. Radford200
John Robins900
Alice Bates200
Jno. Easter350
James Davison100
Robt. Morrin200
Anne Bray100
Grace Easter200
Sampson Dorrell300
Capt. Francis Willis3000
Thomas Powell460
Wm. Holland300
Capt. Cook1500
Giles Cook140
Wm. Jones120
Tho. Collis100
Philip Smith700
Tho. Cheesman650
Geo. More40
James Morris250
Abraham Iveson Senr.1000
Robert Bristow Esqr.2050
Anthony Gregory700
Richd. Bailey800
Wm. Foulcher100
Widdo. Jeffes216
Richd. Dudley Junr.300
John Buckner900
Thomas Todd884
John and Peter Waterfield143
Henry Whiting800
Madm. Whiting950
Jno. Goodson150
Wm. Morris350
Mary Lassells200
Peter Ransone220
Charles Waters200
Dorothy Kertch220
Dorothy Boswell1600
Richd. Cretendon280
Elizb. Anniers250
Elizb. Snelling250
Joseph Boswell230
John Bullard100
Anthony Elliot100
Wm. Armistead100
Peter Kemp650
Majr. Peter Beverley800
Ditto per Tillids Lands150
Dudley Jolley100
Robt. Couch100
———
31603

Glocester Rent Roll

A Rent Roll of Abbington Parish

Mr. Guy Smith30
James Cary50
Wm. Sawyer150
Edwd. Cary100
Robt. Barlow62
Tho. Cleaver Sworne200
Edwd. Stevens80
Henry Stevens60
Chillion White100
Jerimah Holt350
of Ditto for the Widdo Babb150
Robt. Yarbborrow100
Robt. Starkey100
Henry Seaton170[234]
Hugh Howard200
Capt. Booker1000
Jno. Stoakes300
Jno. Dobson400
Wm. Dobson950
Edmd. Dobson350
Hugh Allen1250
George Jackson117
Jno. Teagle30
Widdo Jones45
Mary Thomas100
Thomas Seawell200
Benj. Lane50
Valentine Lane80
Jeffry Garves33
Thomas Coleman250
Johanna Austin40
Majr. Burwell3300
Jno. Satterwight50
Jerimiah Holt Junr150
Charles Stevens75
Richd. Roberts for wife300
Jno. Sadler125
James Steavens100
Susannah Stubbs300
Richd. Foster150
Henry Mitchell50
Nathanll. Russell550
Elizb. Richardson500
Wm. Camp175
James Row300
John Butler100
John Smith Esqr.2000
Ditto for Robt. Byron400
Capt. Blackbourne550
Peter Richeson250
Benja Clements500
Thomas Graves70
Robt. Page75
Joseph More150
Richard Dixon200
Elizb. Turner150
Owen Grathmee250
Richd. Woodfolk125
Jno. Waters50
Wm. Hilliard80
Richd. Heywood100
Mary Hemingway150
Wm. Kemp75
Robt. Francis104
Joshua Broadbent200
Joseph Coleman200
Grustam Clent100
Philip Grady150
Jno. Hall125
Tho. Walker300
Jno. Mixon400
Tho. Sanders450
Wm. Smith for Kittson50
John Banister2750
Madm. Mary Page3000
Jno. Lewis Esq.2000
———
28426
Richd. Cordell
Ware31603
Petso41123
Kingston46537
———
147698

A Perfect Role of the Land in Middlesex County Anno Dom. 1704

Richard Atwood100
Richard Allin150
Tho. Blewford100
Mrs. Blaiss300
John Bristow140
Robt. Blackley100
Coll Corbin2260
Coll Carter1150
John Cheedle50
Wm. Carter170
Widdo Chaney800
Nath. Cranke50
Tho. Dyatt200
John Davie75
Wm. Daniell150
Robt. Daniell225
Henry Freeman200
John Goodrich50
Geo. Goodloe50
Geo. Guest50
Richd. Gabriell30
Wm. Finley50
Wm. Gardner100
Robt. George180
David George150
Widdo. Hazellwodd200
John Hoare100
Richd. Reynolds50[235]
Jno. Southerne100
Richd. Shurly200
Tho. Hapleton200
Wm. Southworth50
Wm. Jones300
Evan Jones50
Esqr. Wormley Estate5200
Wm Churchhill1950
Jacob Briston100
Jno. Pace200
John Logie300
John Price519
Henry Perrott1100
Richd Kemp1100
Tho Kidd250
Francis Weeks225
Widdo Weeks225
Henry Webb100
Tho Wood70
Robt. Williamson200
Tho Lee100
Edmd. Mickleburrough200
Valentine Mayo100
Wm. Mountague500
Garrett Minor225
Marvill Mosseley225
Joseph Mitcham75
Minie Minor225
Humphrey Jones150
Jno. North200
Henry Tugill200
Henry Thacker1875
Thomas Tozeley500
Charles Moderas100
Wm. Mullins150
John Smith700
James Smith400
Harry Beverley1000
George Wortham400
Capt. Grimes900
Sarah Mickleborough1000
Christo. Robinson4000
John Vibson100
James Daniell150
James Curtis300
Tho. Cranke54
Phil. Calvert200
John Hipkins100
Richd. Daniell210
Geo. Blake100
Edwd Williams100
Pat Mammon100
Alexander Murray250
Poplar Smith550
Olixer Seager380
Edwd Gobbee90
Henry Barnes200
John Davis100
Paul Thilman300
Hugh Watts80
Edwd Clark300
Charles Williams100
Edwin Thacker Estate2500
Thomas Dudly200
Thomas Mackhan200
Richd. Paffitt200
Tho. Hiff100
Peter Bromell100
Tho Blakey100
John Robinson1350
Roger Jones100
John Nicholls200
George Berwick100
Widdo Hurford50
Widdo Hackney300
Wm. Kilbee600
Ezikiah Rhodes300
John Handiford100
John Miller200
Wm. Scarborow200
Wm. Herne75
Robt. Dudley300
Widdo Mason100
Peter Chilton100
Francis Dobson150
James Dudley200
Capt. Berkley750
Wm. Sutton150
Sr. Wm. Skipwith350
Coll Kemp900
Wm. Barbee150
Wm. Wallis300
Adam Curtin200
Capt. Wm Armistead2325
———
49008

[236]

A True & Perfect Rent Roll of all the Lands held in Essex County this present year 1704

Abbott Wm.150
Andrews Geo200
Adcock Edwd230
Adcock Henry250
Acres James100
Arving Wm.100
Allin Erasmus100
Allin Wm.100
Ayres Wm.200
Acres Wm.200
———
1630
Baulwar James800
Bendall John135
Butler John125
Bowers Arthur600
Baulwar James200
Beesley Wm.100
Barron Andrew50
Bartlett Tho.100
Brown Buskinghan400
Beeswell Robt.100
Beeswell Robt. Junr.150
Brown Wm.420
Brown Charles1000
Buckner Richd.1200
Buckner Tho.1000
Brice Henry400
Bourn Jno.100
Beverly Harry1000
Battail John1100
Baulwar John50
Booth Widdo800
Butler Jno.100
Butcher Jno.150
Bendrey Widdo700
Bird Widdo100
Beckham Symon100
Brutnall Richd.100
Brook Robt.400
Ball Jno.150
Brooks James100
Billington Mary200
Brooks Peter275
Bowman Peter400
Brooks Robt.150
Brasur Jno.300
Brush Richd.250
Baker Henry350
Bradburn Richd.100
Brown Francis150
Brown Danll. Junr.150
Bryom Henry100
Burnett Tho. Junr.1000
Baughan James Senr.600
Baughan James150
Baughan Henry100
Brown Danll. Senr.450
Brown Tho.50
Blackiston Argail200
Burnett John365
Burnett Tho. Junr.130
Bailer Jno.800
Brakins Qrtr.250
Bell Thomas100
———
19980
Condute Nathll.20
Cary Hugh50
Connoly Edwd.200
Cogwell Fredirick250
Copland Nicho.300
Cattlett Jno.1800
Covengton Richd.1000
Cook John112
Chew Larkin300
Crow Tho.300
Covington Wm.400
Cheney John200
Cole Wm.200
Cheney Wm.700
Corbin Tho. Qr440
Cockin Tho.120
Coates Samll300
Cooper Richd.100
Cooper Tho.100
Copland Jno.175
Crow Jno.440
Chew Larkin550
Cooper Wm.50
Compton Wm.50
Cox Wm.500
Callaway Jos.87
Coleman Robt.450
Cobnall Symon100
Chamberlain Leond.350
———
9764[237]
Daniell James100
Devillard Jacob80
David Tho.150
Dudding Andrew230
Davis Evans150
Dobbins Danll.550
Dressall Timo.175
Daughty John200
Dyer Wm.100
Daingerfield Jno.270
Daingerfield Wm.270
Dunn Wm.220
Dyer Jeffrey100
Day Richd.100
Dicks Thomas500
———
12959
Evans Rice200
Edmondson James500
Elliott Alice75
Evitt Tho.100
Emondson Tho.700
Flowers Isaac250
Faulkner Nicho.100
Farrell Charles50
Franklin Nicho.130
Foster Robt.200
Foster Jno.200
Fisher Jonathan250
Fisher Benja.150
Frank Tho.175
Fullerton James400
Fossett Wm.100
Ferguson Jno.150
Faulkner Edwd.530
———
17219
Green George300
Gray Abner350
Goulding Wm.200
Gannock Wm.2100
Gaines Barnerd450
Griffin Tho.200
Gibson Jonathan700
Grigson Tho.300
Gouldman Francis300
Goulding John200
Goulding Edwd.380
Good Richd.200
Garnett John150
Glover John100
Hawkins John1066
Hinshaw Samll.200
Hutson Tho.100
Harrison James400
Harrison Andrew300
Hilliard Thomas100
Harper Wm.240
Harmon Henry75
Hoult Richd.100
Humphrie Joe100
Hail Jno.900
Harper John748
Harper Tho.350
Hould David100
Hudson Wm.100
Hinds Thomas100
Howerton Thomas175
Hodges Arth100
Hows Qrtr300
Harwood Peter125
Harway Tho.1000
Hudson Tho.50
Hudson Wm.300
Hill Leond.300
Harwar Samll.300
Jamison David250
Jones Wm.165
Jenkins David50
Jewell Tho.100
Johnson Widdo.300
Jones Walter100
Johnson Richd.50
Johnson Wm.650
Jones John300
Jones Richd.350
Jenkins John93
Jones Wm.300
Journey Wm.243
Johnson Thomas500
Jones Rice500
Key Robt.209
Kerby Henry60
Landrum John300
Landrum James100
Long Richd.300
Lomax John2000
Loyd George800
Lawson Claudy100
Little Abraham60
Lacy John100
Law John300
Lattaine Lewis250
Leveritt Robt.100
Micou Paul15[238]
Martin John400
Morgain John100
Miller John150
Medor Tho.300
Moseley Benja.1100
Mottley John100
Morris John200
Moss Robt.180
Merritt Tho.124
Merritt John100
Munday Tho.500
Magcon David400
Mice Hno.200
Mosseley Robt.100
Mayfield Robt.100
Matthews Richd.250
Moseley Edwd.550
Merriweather Francis3200
Mefflin Zach400
Michaell Jno.200
Merriweather Tho.2100
Mefflin Lath400
Medor John100
Morse John400
Matthews Benja.200
Mountegue Wm.850
Newbury Nathll.200
Nixson Henry500
North Wm900
Newton Nicho.100
Nightingall John100
Osman James300
Presser John450
Poe Samll.800
Pley Widdo.800
Parker Jno.250
Pitts Jon.200
Piskell Jno.300
Pain Jno.135
Price Wm.100
Peteras Tho.200
Powell Honor72
Powell Wm.72
Powell Place72
Powell Tho.72
Payne Widdow1000
Perkin Henry300
Prichett Roger167
Paggett Edmd.700
Price John1100
Pickett John800
Perry Samll.225
Price Wm.100
Quarter Xtpher Robinson2200
Quartr Tho. Corbin4000
Qrtr Robt. Thomas200
Quartr John Hay1000
Quartr Wm. Smith3000
Quartr Gawen Corbin2000
Quartr Peter Ransom300
Quartr David Gwin950
Quartr Wm. Upshaw1000
Quartr Leversons600
Quartr Tho Todd550
Ridgdall John300
Ramsey Tho.550
Rowze Ralph610
Rucker Peter500
Rowze Edwd.300
Royston John1000
Roberts Edmd.300
Rebs Henry400
Reeves Joseph200
Reeves James200
Roberts John50
Richardson Robt.200
Reynolds James Senr.500
Reynolds James500
Ransom Peter1200
Strange Jno.100
Stepp Abra.390
Samll. Antho.300
Sail Cornelius73
Salmon John60
Spiers Jno.160
Smith Wm.150
Stokes Richd.500
Smith Charles3000
Sullenger Peter400
Sales Widdo1150
Shipley Jno.200
Spearman Job300
Smith Francis500
Stallard Samll.100
Ship Jos350
Short Tho.150
Scott Wm.1100
Stogell Jno.100
Stephens Jno.100
Slaughter Phebe352
Smith Jno.75
Smith Jonas100
Sanders John300
Stanton Jno.95
Shepherd Jeremiah300
Smith Tho.50[239]
Shackelford Francis300
Sthrashley Tho200
Staners Tho500
Snead Tho950
Shackelford Henry50
Thorp Widdo400
Tinsley Tho.111
Thacker Samll.110
Tomlin Widdo400
Taliaferro Francis1300
Thornton Fran.700
Tomlin Wm.1600
Thomas John100
Taliaferro Charles300
Thomas Wm.200
Taliaferro John2000
Turner George200
Tomlin Wm950
Trible Peter100
Taylor Richd.650
Tilley Matthew200
Vanters Bartho400
Virget Job50
Vincent Vaus450
Wakeland Wm.100
Wood Tho.50
Winslow Tho.150
Winslow Henry100
Williams John450
Williams Wm.100
Wilson David50
Wilton Richd.150
Wheeden Edwd.50
Ward Widdo.200
Whitehorn Widdo.260
Wms. Emanuell100
Watkins Thomas400
Waters John150
Webb James200
Webb John200
Wead Wm.200
Wood Tho300
Williamson Tho100
Williamson Wm.100
Williamson John100
Webb Robert375
Webb Isaac200
Woodnatt Henry300
Waginer John400
Ward Geo.350
Wheeler Tho250
Young Wm.1000
Young Giles100
Muscoe Salvator100
Moody John150
Maguffe John100
Brookins Quartr.250
Smith Jno. Quartr1000
Newton Henry100
Newton Henry175
Nowell Dall400
Nowell Widdo300
Garrett Tho1000
Gould Price200
Green Samll.97
Gouldman Fran.300
Gawdin Wm.100
Grimmall Wm.100
Gaitwood John400
Games John475
Samll. Thompson1000
———
140580
Lands held in the above said County the Rents not paid and held by the severall Gentlemen as followth vizt.
John Smith Esqr. of Glocester County800
Wm. Buckner of Glocester by information1500
Jno. Lightfoot Esqr. New Kent County900
Jno. Bridgate in Engld700
Richd. Wyatt & Jno. Pettus of King & Queen Cty800
Wm. Berry of Richmond County400
Richard Covington

Accomack Rent Roll

A
Alexander Richards150
Arthur Upshot2020
Antho. West700
Ann Simkins1000
Arthur Donas100
Arnoll Harrison630
Alex. Harrison400[240]
Alex. Bagwell413
Anne Chase200
Arthur Frame500
Alexdr West550
Abraham Lambedson100
Alex Benstone270
Anne Blake Widdo.120
Anne Bruxe180
Ar. Arcade Welburn1854
———
9187
B
Burnell Niblett100
Majr. Bennit Scarbrough521
———
621
C
Corneline Hermon321
Christo Stokly200
Charles Scarbrough1000
Charles Leatherbeny1100
Charles Bally959-1/2
Charles Pywell150
Churchhil Darby125
Charles Evill550
Charles Champison270
Christo Hodey500
Cornelius Lofton166
Charles Stockley170
Charles Taylor580
Catherine Gland217
———
6312-1/2
D
Dorman Derby225
Daniell Derby Senr.300
Dorothy Littlehouse250
David Watson200
Delight Shield300
Daniel Derby Junr.125
Daniel Harwood100
Dennis Mores200
Daniel Gore3976
———
5676
E
Coll Edmd Scarbrough2000
Edwd Hitchins170
Edwd Turner750
Edwd Killam720
Edmd Allin200
Edwd Bagwell for Coll Wm. Custis200
Edmd. Jones800
Elizb. Tinley200
Edwd Taylor300
Edmd Tatham200
Edmd Bally800
Edmd Ayres1000
Edwd. Miles413
Elizb. Mellchop210
Edwd. Bell101
Edwd. More500
Edwd. Gunter600
Edwd Brotherton600
Elias Blake430
Edwd Robins782
Edwd Bally300
Elias Taylor1500
Elizb. Wharton200
Mrs. Elizb Scarbrough4205
———
17181
F
Mr. Francis Mackenny5109
Francis Robts.200
Francis Wainhouse700
Francis Crofton200
Francis Young100
Finley MackWm100
Francis Ayres300
Francis Jester200
Francis Benstone400
Francis Wharton600
———
7909
G
Geo. Anthony100
Geo. Hastup300
Coll Geo Nicho Halk2700
Capt. Geo Parker2609
Gervis Baggally700
Garrat Hictlims170
Geo Parker Sco. Side1200
Griffin Savage650
Geo Middleton Senr.588
Geo Trevit400
Geo. Pounce400
Geo Middleton Junr.150
Geo Johnson200[241]
Capt. Geo Hope900
———
11067
H
Henry Armtrading175
Henry Chance445
Henry Selman180
Henry Ubankes400
Henry Lurton363
Henry Stokes208
Henry Custis774
Henry Bagwell412
Henry Read350
Henry Ayres250
Hill Drummond483
Henry Toules300
Henry Hickman135
Henry Gibbins250
Henry Truett240
———
4965
J
John Tounson200
Joseph Stokley664
Jno. Read200
Jno. Blake310
Joseph Ames375
Joseph Clark200
Jno. Fisher200
James Gray900
Jno. Huffington240
Jno. Legatt300
James Lary100
James Longoe200
Jno. Merrey350
Jno Milloy500
Jno. Pratt50
Jno. Revell1450
Jno Road110
Jno. Rowles650
Jno. Savage Senr350
Jno Charles480
Jno Willis Senr430
Jno Willis Junr350
James Fairfax900
Joseph Milby830
John West Junr500
Jno Jenkins400
Jonathan James150
John Rodgers100
Jno Collins100
Jno Sincocke125
Jno Metcalfe, Isaac Metcalfe and Samll. Metcalfe600
Joseph Touser200
Jno Stanton200
Jno Bally1000
———
13715
Jno Melson180
Jno Bernes Senr657
Jno Littletone200
John Nock300
Jno Killy100
Jacob Morris200
Jno Morris640
Jona. Aylworth200
James Davis1000
Jno Parkes200
Jno Evans200
Jno Hull100
Jno Blocksom700
Jno Abbott1170
Jno Arew234
Jno Grey116
Jno Baker400
Jno Wharton150
James Taylor100
Jno Glading207
Jno Loftland167
James Smith756
Majr Jno Robins2700
Jno Collins for Asban1666
James Walker525
Jno Whelton90
Jno Marshall1666
Jona Owen230
Jacob Wagaman150
Capt John Broadhurst1100
Jno Dyer200
Mr. John Watts2450
Jno Booth300
John Bradford364
Ingold Cobb150
Jno Griffin150
Jno Mitchell400
John Parker970
James Alexander1250
Jno Burocke200
James Sterferar50
Jno Perry217
Jno Drummond1550
Jno Carter on Foxs Island203[242]
Jno Warington100
Jno Bagwell465
Jno Wise Senr800
Jno Wise Junr400
Jno Dix500
Isaac Dix500
Jno Hickman454
Jno Onians200
Coll Jno Custis Esqr5950
John Coslin50
———
46692
M
Michaell Recetts300
Mrs. Mattilda West3600
Marke Evell250
Mary Wright200
———
4350
N
Nicholas Mellchops285
Nathaniel, Williams64
Nathaniell Rattcliff300
———
649
O
Owen Collonell500
Overton Mackwilliams200
Obedience Pettman115
———
815
P
Peter Major113
Philip Parker150
Peter Rogers167
Perry Leatherbury1750
Peter Turlington79
Peter Ease250
Philip Fisher433
Peter Chawell250
———
3192
R
Robt. Bell650
Richd Bally Senr.2100
Richd Bally Junr180
Richd Garrison468
Roules Major157
Rouland Savage Senr950
Robt. Taylor95
Richd. Rodgers450
Richd Killam1900
Robt. Wattson425
Richd Jones500
Robt. Hutchinson934
Reynold Badger150
Robt. West400
Richd Cuttler450
Robt. Cole125
Richd Drummond600
Robt. Stocomb300
Robt Norton1050
Richd Grindall350
Roger Hickman135
Robt Lewis200
Roger Abbott450
Richard Hill350
Ralph Justice1050
Richd Hinman1800
Robt Davis384
Ragnall Aryes300
Roger Miles200
Richd Bundike773
Richd Kittson1300
Robt. Bally100
Richd Starlin150
Richd Flowers200
Richd Price100
Robt. Pitts2300
Robt Adkins200
Rebeckha Benstone270
Richd Hillayres300
———
22816
S
Samuell Benstone300
Sarah Beach300
Sillvanus Cole250
Symon Sosque325
South Littleton Widdo2870
Stephen Woltham244
Steph. Warrington400
Symon Mitchell300
Stephen Drummond300
Selby Harrison50
Sollomon Evell125
Samll Young50
Sarah Reyley150
Sebastian Dellistations Senr500[243]
Sebastian Dellistations Junr400
Skinner Wollope2485
Samll. Sandford3250
Sebastian Silverthorn150
Symon Smith200
Sarah Coe900
Samll Taylor1232
Sarah Evins150
Sebastian Croper600
Samuell Jester200
———
15731
T
Tho Burton600
Tho Bud500
Tho Boules300
Tho Clark100
Tho Middleton350
Tho Stringer600
Tho Haule500
Tho Taylor100
Tho Fockes300
Tho Bagwell465
Madm Tabitha Hill3600
Tho Rose7
Tho Webb50
Tho Savage450
Tho Jones100
Tho Scott100
Tho Reyley225
Tho Ternall150
Tho Simpson520
Tho Coper711
Tho Miles202
Thomas Bonwell300
Tho Bell Senr.100
The Bell Junr100
Tho Touson Kiquotan800
Tho Stockley363
Tho Jester100
Tho Smith300
Thomas Crippin648
Tho Wilkinson50
Tho Jenkinson374
Tho Moore166
Tho Allen700
Tho Smith Savannah200
Tho Perry232
Tho Tonnson400
Tho Smith Gingateague693
Lieut Coll Robinson600
———
15956
W
Wm. Robins200
Wm Patterson200
Wm Bevens400
Wm Matthews400
Wm Shepherd200
Wm Whett400
Winfred Woodland333
Wm Andrews300
Wm Custis1500
Wm Darby83
Wm Fletcher200
Wm Killam450
Wm Lingoe300
Wm Major130
Wm Meeres150
Wm Mack Sear800
Wm Savage150
Wm Waite110
Wm Sill200
Wm Waite Junr600
Wm Bradford3500
Wm Rogers200
Wm Wise400
Wm Finey800
Wm Consalvins100
Wm Phillips200
Wm Parker362
Wm Cole375
Wm Merill150
Wm Johnson150
Wm Lewis150
Walter Hayes130
Wm Chance450
Wm Milby250
Wm Nicholson600
Wm Burton500
Wm Willett842
Wm Hudson270
Wm Lewis300
Wm Young144
Wm Liechfield154
Wm Bunting150
Wm Nock Junr400
Wm Lucas300
Mary Mellechop498
Wm Daniell200
Wm Silverthorn160
Wm Garman475
Wm White600
Wm Broadwater500
Wm Taylor100
Wm Williamson600
Wm Brittingham538[244]
Wm. Benstone Jun.270
Wm Dickson for Mr. Littleton1050
Wm Waite Senr225
Wm Taylor1400
———
24599
196899-1/2
Added to this Rent Roll the following Lands of which the Quit Rents may possibly be recovered tho the Owners live out of the Country Viz.
Jonas Jackson500
Robt. Andrews500
Joseph Morris200
Robt. Meros200
Hillory Stringer950
Tho Fisher133
Jno Fisher133
Timo Coe4100
David Hagard130
———
6846
An Account of what Land in Accomack County the owners whereof are not dwellers.
Tho Preson of Northampton200
Geo Corbin Ditto150
Joshua Fichett Ditto200
Alexdr Merey Maryld200
Tho Dent500
Mr. Wm Kendalls orphans of Northampton County2850
Mr Hancock Lee dividing Creeks4050
Richd Watters in Maryland1057
Francis Lailor Northamp100
Obedience Johnson Qtrs300
Henry Smith at the Southerd1000
Grattiance Michell North200
Matt. Tyson Southerd300
Teagle Woltham Maryld200
Peter Waltham New Engld200
Jno Waltham Maryld200
———
11707
Jno Wise Sheriff

The Rent Roll of Northampton County for the Year of our Lord God 1704

A
Andrews Robt.300
Andrews Andrew100
Addison John350
Abdell Tho125
Abdell Jno200
Abdell Wm125
Alligood John300
Angell James100
Alligood Henry100
B
Bullock Geo100
Boner Geo150
Brown Tho1862
Benthall Joseph Senr793
Benthall Joseph Junr150
Branson Francis100
Bateson200
Billot Jno400
Bell Geo400
Billott Wm100
Brewer Jno50
Blackson Jno100
Brooks Jeane100
Beadwine Jno200
Berthall Danll258
Baker John400
Brickhouse Geo2100
C
Cob Samll130
Coape Wm200
Custis Jno Coll3400
Collier Bartho.150
Carpenter Charles240
Cox Jno500
Church Samll143
Cleg Jno. Senr204
Clog Henry204
Carvy Richd100
Cowdry Josiah167
Cormeck Mich100
Clerk Jno100[245]
Corban Geo250
Clerk Geo833
Caple Nath100
Callinett Jno100
Crew John300
Costin Francis275
Custis Majr John3250
Custis Hancock50
Chick Tho.100
D
Downing Jno.70
Dewy Geo300
Dewy Jacob100
Delby Margery450
Dowty Rowland150
Dunton John170
Dunton Tho400
Dowman John100
Dullock John100
Denton Tho400
Dunton Tho Junr120
Dunton Wm420
Dunton Benj220
Duparks Tho90
Davis Jno850
Dunton Joseph120
Dixon Michaell460
E
Eshon Jno600
Evans John200
Edmunds David500
Evans Tho300
Esdoll Geo100
Eyres Tho1133
Eyres Nich325
Eyres Capt Jno774
Eyres Anne Wido.733
Esdoll Edwd.100
F
Fisher John637-1/2
Francisco Dan150
Fisher Tho637-1/2
Foster Robt.150
Fabin Paul60
Frost Tho100
Frank Jno500
Floyd Charles378
Freshwater Geo200
Frizell Geo140
Freshwater Wm200
Fitchett Joshua100
Floyd Berry & Matthew555
G
Gogni David150
Gill Robt.200
Gascoyne Robt.125
Gascoyne Wm525
Greene Jno Senr2200
Giddens Tho227
Grice Peter200
Godwin Devorix600
Goffogan Tho100
Guelding Charles200
Griffith Jerimiah345
Griffith Benja200
H
Hill Francis100
Henderson John250
Haggaman Isaac750
Harmonson Jno1600
Harmonson Henry1250
Hanby Charles25
Hanby Richd75
Hanby Danll50
Hanby John150
Harmonson Capt Wm308
Harmonson Geo1586
Harmonson Tho400
Hawkins Jno Senr66
Hawkins Jno Junr66
Hawkins Gideon66
Hunto Groton485
Hunt John440
Hunt Tho290
Hall Francis Widdo340
J
Johnson John Senr250
Johnson John Junr100
Johnson Jacob350
Isaacs John Jnr100
Joynes Major150
James Joan Widdo250
Johnson Obedience Capt400
Johnson Tho Junr75
Johnson Thomas Senr400
Jackson Jonah & John625
Joynes Edmd200
Joynes Edwd200
Johnson Jeptha Senr50[246]
Jacob Phillip Senr350
Johnson Jepha Junr200
Johnson Obedience & Jepha Sen250
Johnson Edmd400
Jacob Richd200
Jacob Abraham50
K
Kendall Wm2410
Knight John100
L
Lawrence John120
Lailler Luke100
Lucas Tho100
Lewis Robt100
Littleton Susannah Wido4050
Luke John400
M
Marshall Geo250
Farshall Jno250
Maddox Tho1500
Michaell Yeardly400
Matthews John275
Major John390
Map John50
Moore Matthew175
Mackmellion Tho300
More Gilbert225
Morraine John119-1/2
More Jno545
More Eliner175
N
Nicholson Wm600
Nottingham Wm150
Nottingham Joseph150
Nottingham Richd350
Nottingham Benja300
Nelson John100
O
Only Clement200
Odear John100
P
Parramore Tho400
Preson Tho610
Powell Frances Widdo1225
Palmer Samll1562
Pyke Henry150
Powell John636-1/3
Pittett Tho300
Pittet Justian200
Pittett John275
Powell Samll200
Paine Daniell150
Piggott Ralph1368
R
Read Thomas150
Rascow Arthur100
Ronan Wm150
Roberts Jno200
Richards Lettis150
Robins Jno Majr1180
Robins Littleton1000
Rabishaw Wm55
Roberts Obedience260
Robinson Benjamin250
S
Shepherd Jno200
Smith Joseph250
Smith Samll150
Smith Jno200
Savage Tho450
Smith Tho400
Smith Abrah300
Seady Antho120
Sott Widdo750
Smith Richd minor300
Scot Geo100
Smith Richd99
Scot Jno100
Scott Henry800
Scot David300
Smith Peter450
Sanders Richd100
Smaro John800
Shepherd Tho140
Sanders Eustick100
Sanderson John636
Savidge John410
Stringer Hillary1250
Savidge Capt Tho1600
Savidge Elkington750
Scot Wm Senr153
Straton Benja745
Smith Geo133
Stockley Jno Senr370
Shepheard Widdo830
Seamore John200[247]
T
Tilney John350
Tryfort Barth147
Teague Simeon100
Turner Richd50
Teague Tho200
Tankard Wm450
Tanner Paul148
W
Webb Henry100
Wills Thorn300
White John400
Wilson Tho250
Westerhouse Adryan Senr200
Walker John300
Ward Tho120
Walter John400
Waterfield Wm200
Warren John525
Warren Argoll350
Widgeon Robt100
Wilkins Jno150
Webb Edwd200
Wilcock Jno200
Warren James50
Waterson Wm855
Warren Robt.190
Water Lieut-Coll Wm700
Webb Charles133-1/4
Willett Wms2650
Waterson Richd150
Wilkins Argoll150
Walter Elizb Widdo100
Warren Joseph50
———
99671
Lands not paid for vizt
Gleab formerly Capt Foxcrofts1500
John Majr at Occahannock200
Hogbin not being in Virginia100
Tho Smith300
Tho Marshall orphan75
Jno Rews not in Virginia100
———
2275
The total on the other side is99671 acres
Added to it ye Glebe land1500
———
101171 acres

The preceding Sheets are true copys of the Rentrolls for the year 1704 given in and accounted for by the several Sherifs in April 1705 and sworne to before his Excellcy according to which they made up their accounts of the Quitrents with

Will Robertson Clerk.

[248]


[249]

INDEX

[250]


[251]

INDEX

A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Transcriber's Notes:

Punctuation corrections:

Pg. 3 - added closing quotes (not even beggars;")

Pg. 142 - added quotes ("It should be inquired into," he said, "how it comes to pass ...)

Pg. 151 - added period (for themselves only. Making)

Pg. 152 - added opening quote ("illiberal, noisy and rude,")

Pg. 172 - Footnote [5-29], added closing quote (to the Government.")

Pg. 251 - added comma after "George" (Archer, George,)

Pg. 252 - changed "." to ";" (Carolina ... 99-100; 139-146.)

Pg. 254 - added comma after "Benjamin" (Harrison, Benjamin,)

Pg. 254 - added comma in Freedmen (what became of, 43;)

Pg. 257 - changed comma to semi-colon (Plantations ... listed in rent roll of 1704-5, 53;)

Spelling Corrections:

Pg. 87 - "exlusive" to "exclusive" (1) (secured exclusive privileges)

Pg. 88 - "nigher" to "higher" (profit higher at home?)

Pg. 124 - "butt wenty" to "but twenty" (there were but twenty)

Pg. 125 - "chieftians" to "chieftains" (the native chieftains)

Pg. 156 - "Birtish" to "British" (upon British imports)

Pg. 162 - added Chapter Title "Notes to Chapters" as shown in the Contents.

Pg. 176 - "Britain" to "British" (in Footnote [7-23] ... British Public Record Office)

Pg. 191 - "ped" to "per" (per Robert Rivers)

Pg. 208 - "Sgeriff" to "Sheriff" (Henry Royall Sheriff)

Pg. 215 - "Shreiff" to "Sheriff" (the Sheriff is to be allowed)

Pg. 215 - added "A" at head of alphabetical list of names.

Pg. 223 - "Sherif" to "Sheriff" (Tho Parker Sheriff)

Pg. 245 - added "D" at head of alphabetical listing of names.

Pg. 252 - "Spotsvylvania" to "Spotsylvania" (Chew, Larkin ... dealer in Spotsylvania)

Pg. 255 - "gratned" to "granted" (Land, ... large tracts granted,)

Pg. 257 - "Eir" to "Sir" (Sandys, Sir Edwin,)

Pg. 258 - "centry" to "century" (Sickness ... abates before end of 17th century,)

Pg. 259 - "Thorouhggood" to "Thoroughgood" (Thoroughgood, Adam, ... brother of Sir John Thoroughgood,)

Footnote and Anchor Corrections/Notations:

Footnotes and their anchors have been renumbered to include the chapter number, thus the Chapter 3 Footnote #5 becomes [3-5] in this e-text.

Footnotes without anchor points are not hyper-linked.

Pg. 19 - A second anchor to Footnote [1-18] has been corrected to anchor Footnote [1-19].

Pg. 87 - Chapter 5, Footnote anchors skip from [5-2] to [5-7], and again from [5-33] to [5-35]. No anchor points for Footnotes 3 through 6 or 34 appear in the original text though the footnotes are included in the "Notes to Chapters" beginning on pg. 162. Also;

Pg. 115 - Chapter 7, Footnotes skip from [7-2] to [7-4]. No reference point for Footnote 3.

Pg. 163 - Footnote [2-19], no page number was given. (p.--.)

Pg. 179 - Footnote [8-54], in reference to Philip Fithian, Journal and letters, p. 130 appears twice in original text and has been retained.

Appendix - Information contained in the Rent Rolls appears to have been set out verbatim for each VA county or Parish. Inconsistencies appearing in the original text, which have been retained include:

a. Inconsistent punctuation of abbreviations;
b. Inconsistent representation of abbreviations;
c. Missing end of line punctuation;
d. Inconsistent alphabetization of proper names;
e. Inconsistent spelling of proper names;
f. Inconsistent mathmatical calculations;

Other notes and corrections:

Printer or Author regularly used "country" in place of what are VA. counties.

Pg. 251 - Index listing for Ball, William, no page reference given. However this name is referenced on page 153.

Pg. 253 - "558" to "58" (Index listing for Essex, ... farms and tithables of, 58.)

Pg. 258 - Index listing for Smelting ... begun at Falling Creek. No page reference given. However reference to both Smelting and Falling Creek appear on page 18.

Word variations:

"Perfect Discription" and "Perfect Description"

"pre-eminence" and "preëminently"






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