University of Virginia Library

TO THE READER.

Long hath the world longed, but to be truely satisfied what
Virginia is, with the truth of those proceedings, from whence hath
flowne so manie reports of worth, and yet few good effects of the
charge,

which hath caused suspition in many well willers that desire
yet but to be truely satisfied therein. If any can resolve this doubt it
is those that have lived residents in the land: not salers, or passengers,
nor such mercinary contemplators, that only bedeck themselves with
others plumes. This discourse is not from such, neither am I the
author, for they are many, whose particular discourses are signed by
their names. This solid treatise, first was compiled by Richard Pots,
since passing the hands of many to peruse, chancing into my hands,
(for that I know them honest men, and can partly well witnesse their
relations true) I could do no lesse in charity to the world then reveale;
nor in conscience, but approve. By the advise of many grave
and understanding gentlemen, that have pressed it, to the presse, it
was thought fit to publish it, rather in its owne rude phrase then
other waies. For that nothing can so purge that famous action from
the infamous scandal some ignorantly have conceited, as the plaine
simple and naked truth. For defect whereof the businesse is still suspected,
the truth unknowne, and the best deservers discouraged,
and neglected, some by false reports, others by conjecture, and such
power hath flattry to ingender of those, hatred and affection, that
one is sufficient to beguile more, then 500 can || keepe from being
deceived.

But this discourse is no Judge of mens manners, nor catalogue
of their former courses; only a reporter of their actions in Virginia,
not to disgrace any, accuse any, excuse any, nor flatter any; for which
cause there is no wrong done but this, shortnesse in complaining, and
so sparing in commending as only the reader may perceive the truth
for his paines, and the action purged of foule slander; it can detract
from none that intendeth there to adventure their fortunes; and to
speake truly of the first planters, that brake the yce and beate the
path, howsoever many difficulties obscured their indevours, he were
worse then the worst of Ingrates, that would not spare them memory
that have buried themselves in those forrain regions. From whose
first adventures may spring more good blessings then are yet conceived.
So I rest thine, that will read, peruse, and understand me. If

you finde false orthography or broken English, they are small faultes
in souldiers, that not being able to write learnedly, onlie strive to
speake truely, and be understood without an Interpreter.

T. Abbay.