University of Virginia Library

CCCLXVII. Examination of Captain Isaac Madison, Mary Madison,
and Sergeant John Harris
June 4, November 17, 1623

The examinations of Capt Isack Madeson touchinge the supposed con-
tract betweene Mr Grivell Pooley and Mrs Sysley Jordan, taken before
Sr Francis Wyatt Knight Governo9 and Capt generall of Virginia: Sr
George Yeardley knight, Mr George Sandys Esq9 Treasuro9, Dr: John
Pott, Capt Roger Smyth, Capt Raph Hamor, and Mr John Pountis. one
the 4th of June 1623.

Capt Isack Maddeson Sworne and examined saith that (as neare as he
remembreth) the first Motion made to him by Mr Grivell Pooley, touchinge
a match wth Mrs Jordan, was about three or foure dayes after Mr Jordans
death, who entreating this examinant to moue the matter to her, he
answered he was unwillinge to medle in any such bussines; but beinge

vrged by him, he did moue it: Mrs Jordan replied that she would as will-
ingly haue him as any other, but shee would not Ma§r§ry any man vntill
she was deliũed. After this Mr Pooley (having had some private talke
wth Mrs Jordan) tould this examinant that he had contracted himself
vnto her, and desired him and his wife to be witnesses of it, wherevppon
Mr Pooley desiring a dram̃ of Mrs Jordan, and shee bidding her servant
fetch it) said he wold have it of her fetchinge, or not at all: then she went
into a roome, and this examinant and Mr Pooley went to her, but whether
she were privy to his intent this examinant knoweth not: when Mr Pooley
was come to her, he told her he would contract himself vnto her, and
spake these words. I Grivell Pooley, take thee Sysley, to my wedded
wife, to haue, and to hold, till death vs depart, and thereto I plight thee
my troth. Then (holding her by the hand) he spake these words I
Sysley, take thee Grivell, to my wedded husband, to haue, and to hold,
till death vs depart: but this examinant heard not her say any of those
words, neither doth he remember that Mr Pooley asked her whether she
did consent to those words or that shee did answer any thinge wch he
vnd9stood, then Mr Pooley and shee dranke each to other, and he kissed
her, and spake these words, I am thine and thou art mine till death vs
seperate. Mrs Jordan then desired that it might not be revealed that shee
did so soone bestow her loue, after her husbands death; wherevppon Mr
Pooley protested before God that he wold not reveale it, till she thought
the time fittinge.

[2] The examinations of Mrs Mary Maddeson, and Serieant John Harris,
taken before Sr Francis Wyatt Knight Governor &c and Chr: Davison
Secr: the 17th of November 1623.

Mary Maddeson Sworne and examined saith, that she was not p̢sent at the
makeinge of the supposed contract betweene Mr Pooley and Mrs Jordan,
but she heard Mrs Jordan say if Mr Pooley had not revealed it he might
haue fared the bett[er] and saith further that her husband told her that
night, that Mrs Jordan had made her self sure to Mr Pooley, but what
words passed her husband did not perticulerly repeate, but spake of theire
drinkinge each to other, and of Mr Pooleys salutinge her

John Harris Sworne and examined saith that he heard Mrs Jordan say
that Mr Pooley might thanke himself, for he might haue fared the better
but for his owne words.

This Woman before Mr Grivell Pooley called her into the Court, con-
tracted her self to Mr Will͠m Ferrar: before the Governor and Counsell
disavowing the form9 and affirminge the latter: Wee (not knowinge how
to decide so nice a difference, our devines not takeinge vppon them pre-
sisely to determine, whether it be a formall and legall contract desire the
resolution of the Civill Lawiers, and a speedy return thereof.

Extract p̱