University of Virginia Library

[1] Right Worpull and more worthy:—

My due respect to yourselves, my allegiance (if I may so terme
it) to the Virginean action, my good heed to my poore reputacon,
thrust a penne into my handes; so iealous am I to bee missing
to any of them. If it wandereth in extravagantes, yet shall
they not bee idle to those physitions whose loves have undertaken
the saftie and advancement of Virginia.

It is no small comfort that I speake before such gravitie,
whose iudgement no forrunner can forestall with any opprobrious
vntruths, whose wisedomes can easily disroabe malice
out of her painted garments from the ever reverenced truth.

I did so faithfully betroth my best endeavours to this noble
enterprize, as my carriage might endure no suspition. I never
turned my face from daunger, or hidd my handes from labour;
so watchful a sentinel stood myself to myself. I know wel,
a troope of errors continually beseege men's actions; some of
them ceased on by malice, some by ignorance. I doo not hoodwinck
my carriage in my self love, but freely and humblie submit
it to your grave censures.

I do freely and truely anatomize the government and
gouernours, that your experience may applie medicines accordinglie;
and vpon the truth of this iournal do pledge my
faith and life, and so do rest

Yours to command in all service, [Edward Maria Wingfield.]

The Wingfield Arms