| 1 | Author: | unknown | Add | | Title: | Annals of Henrico Parish | | | Published: | 2003 | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Modern English collection | UVA-LIB-Text | | | Description: | The picturesque ruins of Jamestown mark the beginning
of the Church in Virginia, in 1607. The history of Henrico
Parish begins with the second established settlement in
the colony. During the interregnum between the governorships
of Lord De la War and Sir Thomas Gates, Sir Thomas
Dale had acted as regent under the title of High Marshall of
Virginia. On the arrival of Gates, Dale, by agreement, took
advantage of the opportunity to carry out the cherished project
of founding for himself a settlement. In the early part
of September, 1611, at the head of 350 men, chiefly German
laborers, he pushed up the river. He founded Henricopolis
on the peninsula now insulated by Dutch Gap canal. Dale
was almost a religious fanatic. He had named his new city
in honor of Prince Henry, the eldest son of James I. After
this prince's sudden death, Dale writes: "My glorious master
is gone, that would have enamelled with his favors the
labors I undertake for God's cause and his immortal honor.
He was the great captain of our Israel; the hope to have
builded up this heavenly new Jerusalem be interred, I think;
the whole frame of this business fell into his grave." To the Vestry of St. John's Episcopal Church, Richmond,
Va.: The following is the report of the committee: To the Friends of Old St. John's Church, Richmond, Va.: " `Sir,—I should, with great pleasure, oblige the Vestry,
and particularly yourself, in granting them an acre to build
their Church upon, but there are so many roads already
through that land, that the damage to me would be great to
have another of a mile long cut through it. I shall be very
glad if you would please to think Richmond a proper place,
and considering the great number of people that live below
it, and would pay their devotions there, that would not care
to go so much higher, I can't but think it would be agreeable
to most of the people; and if they will agree to have it there,
I will give them two of the best lots, that are not taken up,
and besides give them any pine timber they can find on that
side of Shockoe Creek, and wood for burning of bricks into
the bargain. I hope the Gent. of the Vestry will believe me a
friend to the Church when I make them the offer, and that
I am both theirs, sir, and, "I fhould, with great pleafure, oblige the Veftry, and
particularly your felf, in granting them an Acre to build their
Church upon, but there are fo many roads already through
that Land, that the Damage to me would be too great to have
another of a mile long cut thro' it. I fhould be very glad if
you would pleafe to think Richmond a proper place, and
confidering the great number of people that live below it, and
would pay their Devotions there, that would not care to go
fo much higher, I can't but think it would be agreeable to
moft of the people, and if they will agree to have it there, I
will give them two of the beft lots, that are not taken up, and
befides give them any Pine Timber they can find on that
Side Shockoe Creek, and Wood for burning of Bricks into the
bargain. I hope the Gent. of the Veftry will believe me a
Friend to the Church when I make them the Offer, and that
I am both theirs, | | Similar Items: | Find |
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