The Attempt of Sir Thomas Dale to get another Daughter of Powhatan,
as a Surer Pledge of Peace.
It pleased Sir Thomas Dale (myselfe being much desirous before my
retourne for England,) to visit Powhatan & his court, (because I would be
able to speak somwhat thereof by mine own knowledge) to imploy myselfe,
and an English boy for my Interpreter one Thomas Salvage (who
had lived three years with Powhatan, and speakes the language naturally,
one whom Powhatan much affecteth) upon a message unto him, which
was to deale with him, if by any meanes I might procure a daughter of
his, who (Pocahuntas being already in our possession) is generally reported
to be his delight, and darling, (and surely he esteemeth her as his owne
soule) for surer pledge of peace.
Letter of Mr. Whittaker to his cousin, the Minister of Black-Friars'
Bridge, London, declaring the pious character of Sir Thomas Dale,
and confirming the fact of the baptism of Pocahontas before her
marriage. Taken from Mr. Hamor's book.
To my verie deere and loving cosen M. G. Minister of the B. F. in
London.
Sir the colony here is much better. Sir Thomas Dale our religious
and valient Governour, hath now brought that to passe which never
before could be effected. For by warre upon our enemies, and kind usage
of our friends, he hath brought them to seek for peace of us which is
made, and they dare not breake. But that which is best, one Pocahuntas
or Matoa the daughter of Powhatan is married to an honest and
descreete English Gentleman, Maister Rolfe, and that after she had
openly renounced her countrey Idolatry, confessed the faith of Jesus
Christ, and was baptized; which thing Sir Thomas Dale had laboured a
long time to ground in her.
Yet notwithstanding, are the vertuous deeds of this worthy Knight,
much debased, by the letters some wicked men have written from hence,
and especially by one C. L. If you heare any condemne this noble Knight,
or doe feare to come hither for those slanderous letters, you may upon
my word bouldly reprove them. You know that no malefactors can abide
the face of the Judge, but themselves scorning to be reproved, doe prosecute
withal hatred, all those that labour their emendment. I marvaile
much that any men of honest life, should feare the sword of the magistrate,
which is unsheathed onely in their defence.
Sir Thomas Dale (with whom I am) is a man of great knowledge in
Divinity, and of a good conscience in all his doings: both which bee rare
in a martiall man. Every Sabbath day we preach in the forenoone, and
chatechize in the afternoone. Every Saturday at night I exercise in Sir
Thomas Dales house. Our church affairs bee consulted on by the minister,
and foure of the most religious men. Once every month wee have a communion,
and once a yeer a solemn Fast. For me, though my promis of
3 years service to my country be expired, yet I will abide in my vocation
here untill I be lawfully called from hence. And so, betaking us all unto
the mercies of God in Christ Jesus, I rest for ever
Your most deere and
loving cosen,
Virginia, June 18, 1614.
Alex. Whitakers.
