University of Virginia Library

SECOND CHARTER OF VIRGINIA, 1609

"The Second Charter to The Treasurer and Company, for
Virginia, erecting them into a Corporation and Body Politic,
and for the further enlargement and explanation of the
privileges of the said Company and first Colony of Virginia.
Dated May 23d. 1609. 7. James.

"Article I. [a Recital of the first charter, &c.]

"II. Now, forasmuch as divers and sundry of our loving
subjects, as well adventurers, as planters, of the said first
colony, which have already engaged themselves in furthering
the business of the said colony and plantation, and do further
intend, by the assistance of Almighty God, to prosecute the
same to a happy end, have of late been humble suitors unto
us, that (in respect of their great charges and the adventure
of many of their lives, which they have hazarded in the said
discovery and plantation of the said country) we would be
pleased to grant them a further enlargement and explanation
of the said grant, privileges, and liberties, and that such
counsellors, and other officers, may be appointed amongst
them, to manage and direct their affairs, as are willing and
ready to adventure with them, as also whose dwellings are not
so far remote from the city of London, but that they may, at
convenient times, be ready at hand, to give their advice and
assistance, upon all occasions requisite.

"III. We, greatly affecting the effectual prosecution and
happy success of the said Plantation, and commending their
good desires therein, for their further encouragement in
accomplishing so excellent a work, much pleasing to God, and
profitable to our Kingdom, do, of our special grace and certain
Knowledge, and mere motion, for us, our heirs, and successors,

give, grant, and confirm, to our trusty and well beloved
subjects,

• Robert [Cecil], Earl of Salisbury,

• Thomas [Howard], Earl of Suffolk,

• Henry [Wriothesley], Earl of Southampton,

• William [Herbert], Earl of Pembroke,

• Henry [Clinton], Earl of Lincoln,

• Richard [Sackville], Earl of Dorset,

• Thomas [Cecil], Earl of Exeter,

• Philip [Herbert], Earl of Montgomery,

• Robert [Sydney], Lord Viscount Lisle,

• Theophilus, Lord Howard of Walden,

• James [Montague], Lord Bishop of Bath and Wells,

• Edward, Lord Zouche,

• Thomas [West] Lord Lawarr,

• William [Parker], Lord Mounteagle,

• Ralph [Eure], Lord Ewre,

• Edmond [Sheffield], Lord Sheffield,

• Grey [Brydges], Lord Chandois,

• [William Compton], Lord Compton,

• John [Petre], Lord Petre,

• John [Stanhope], Lord Stanhope,

• George [Carew], Lord Carew,

  • Sir Humphrey Weld, Lord Mayor of London,

  • George Percie, Esq,

  • Sir Edward Cecil, Knt.,

  • Sir George Wharton Knt.,

  • Francis West, esq,

  • Sir William Wade, Knt,

  • Sir Henry Nevil, Knt,

  • Sir Thomas Smith, Knt,

  • Sir Oliver Cromwell, Knt,

  • Sir Peter Manwood, Knt,

  • Sir Drue Drury, Knt,

  • Sir John Scott, Knt,

  ---

  397

  
  
  

  • Sir Thomas Challoner Knt,

  • Sir Robert Drury, Knt,

  • Sir Anthony Cope, Knt,

  • Sir Horatio Vere, Knt,

  • Sir Edward Conway, Knt,

  • Sir William Brown, Knt,

  • Sir Maurice Berkeley, Knt,

  • Sir Robert Mansel, Knt,

  • Sir Amias Preston, Knt,

  • Sir Thomas Gates, Knt,

  • Sir Anthony Ashly, Knt,

  • Sir Michael Sondes, Knt,

  • Sir Henry Carey, Knt,

  • Sir Stephen Soame, Knt,

  • Sir Calisthenes Brooke, Knt,

  • Sir Edward Michelborn, Knt,

  • Sir John Ratcliffe, Knt,

  • Sir Charles Wilmot, Knt,

  • Sir George Moor, Knt,

  • Sir Hugh Wirral, Knt,

  • Sir Thomas Dennis, Knt,

  • Sir John Holles, Knt,

  • Sir Thomas Monson, Knt,

  • Sir William Godolphin, Knt,

  • Sir Thomas Ridgway, Knt,

  • Sir John Brooke, Knt,

  • Sir Robert Killigrew, Knt,

  • Sir Henry Peyton, Knt,

  • Sir Richard Williamson, Knt,

  • Sir Ferdinando Weynman, Knt,

  • Sir William St. John, Knt,

  • Sir Thomas Holcroft, Knt,

  • Sir John Mallory, Knt,

  • Sir Roger Ashton, Knt,

  • Sir Walter Cope, Knt,

  • Sir Richard Wigmore, Knt,

  ---

  398

  
  
  

  • Sir William Coke Knt,

  • Sir Herbert Crofte, Knt,

  • Sir Henry Fanshawe, Knt,

  • Sir John Smith, Knt,

  • Sir Francis Wolley, Knt,

  • Sir Edward Waterhouse, Knt,

  • Sir Henry Seckford, Knt,

  • Sir Edwin Sandys, Knt,

  • Sir Thomas Waynam, Knt,

  • Sir John Trevor, Knt,

  • Sir Warwick Heele, Knt,

  • Sir Robert Wroth, Knt,

  • Sir John Townsend, Knt,

  • Sir Christopher Perkins, Knt,

  • Sir Daniel Dun, Knt,

  • Sir Henry Hobart, Knt,

  • Sir Francis Bacon, Knt,

  • Sir Henry Montague, Knt,

  • Sir George Coppin, Knt,

  • Sir Samuel Sandys, Knt,

  • Sir Thomas Roe, Knt,

  • Sir George Somers, Knt,

  • Sir Thomas Freake, Knt,

  • Sir Thomas Harwell, Knt,

  • Sir Charles Kelke, Knt,

  • Sir Baptist Hicks, Knt,

  • Sir John Watts, Knt,

  • Sir Robert Carey, Knt,

  • Sir William Romney, Knt,

  • Sir Thomas Middleton, Knt,

  • Sir Hatton Cheeke, Knt,

  • Sir John Ogle, Knt,

  • Sir Cavallero Meycot, Knt,

  • Sir Stephen Riddlesdon, Knt,

  • Sir Thomas Bludder, Knt,

  • Sir Anthony Aucher, Knt,

  ---

  399

  
  
  

  • Sir Robert Johnson, Knt,

  • Sir Thomas Panton, Knt,

  • Sir Charles Morgan, Knt,

  • Sir Stephen Pole, Knt,

  • Sir John Burlacie, Knt,

  • Sir Christopher Cleave, Knt,

  • Sir George Hayward, Knt,

  • Sir John Davis, Knt,

  • Sir Thomas Sutton, Knt,

  • Sir Anthony Forest, Knt,

  • Sir Robert Payne, Knt,

  • Sir John Digby, Knt,

  • Sir Dudley Digges, Knt,

  • Sir Rowland Cotton, Knt,

  • Dr. Matthew Sutcliffe,

  • Dr. [James] Meadows,

  • Dr. [Peter] Turner,

  • Dr. [Leonard] Poe,

  • Captain, Pagnam,

  • Captain, Jeffrey Holcrofte,

  • Captain, —Rommey,

  • Captain, Henry Spry,

  • Captain, — Shelton,

  • Captain, — Sparks,

  • Captain, Thomas Wyat,

  • Captain, — Brinsly,

  • Captain, William Courtney,

  • Captain, — Herbert,

  • Captain, — Clarke,

  • Captain, — Dewhurst,

  • Captain, John Blundell,

  • Captain, — Fryer,

  • Captain, Lewis Orwell,

  • Captain, Edward Loyd,

  • Captain, — Slingesby,

  • Captain, — Hawley,

  ---

  400

  
  
  

  • Captain, — Orme,

  • Captain, — Woodhouse,

  • Captain, — Mason,

  • Captain, Thomas Holcroft,

  • Captain, John Coke,

  • Captain, — Holles,

  • Captain, William Proude,

  • Captain, Henry Woodhouse,

  • Captain, Richard Lindesey,

  • Captain, — Dexter,

  • Captain, William Winter,

  • Captain, — Pearse,

  • Captain, John Bingham,

  • Captain, — Burray,

  • Captain, Thomas Conway,

  • Captain, — Rookwood,

  • Captain, William Lovelace,

  • Captain, John Ashley,

  • Captain, Thomas Wynne,

  • Captain, Thomas Mewtis,

  • Captain, Edward Harwood,

  • Captain, Michael Everard,

  • Captain, — Comock,

  • Captain, — Mills,

  • Captain, — Pigot,

  • Captain, Edward-Maria Wingfield,

  • Captain, Christopher Newport,

  • Captain, John Sicklemore, alias Ratcliffe,

  • Captain, John Smith,

  • Captain, John Martin,

  • Captain, Peter Wynne,

  • Captain, [Richard] Waldoe,

  • Captain, Thomas Wood,

  • Captain, Thomas Button,

• George Bolls, Esq., Sheriff of London,

• William Crashaw, Clerk, Bachelor of Divinity,

  ---

  401

  
  
  

  • William Seabright, Esq.

  • Christopher Brooke Esq.

  • John Bingley Esq.

  • Thomas Watson Esq.

  • Richard Percival Esq.

  • John Moore Esq.

  • Hugh Brooker Esq.

  • David Woodhouse Esq.

  • Anthony Aucher Esq.

  • Robert Bowyer Esq.

  • Ralph Ewens Esq.

  • Zachery Jones Esq.

  • George Calvert Esq.

  • William Dobson Esq.

  • Henry Reynolds Esq.

  • Thomas Walker Esq.

  • Anthony Barnars Esq.

  • Thomas Sandys Esq.

  • Henry Sandys Esq.

  • Richard Sandys Esq., son of Sir Edwin Sandys,

  • William Oxenbridge Esq.

  • John Moore Esq.

  • Thomas Wilson Esq.

  • John Bullock Esq.

  • John Waller Esq.

  • Thomas Webb,

  • Jehu Robinson,

  • William Brewster,

  • Robert Evelyn,

  • Henry Danby,

  • Richard Hackluit, minister,

  • John Eldred, merchant,

  • William Russel, merchant,

  • John Merrick, merchant,

  • Richard Banister, merchant,

  • Charles Anthony, goldsmith,

  ---

  402

  
  
  

  • John Banks,

  • William Evans,

  • Richard Humble,

  • Richard Chamberlayne, merchant,

  • Thomas Barber, merchant,

  • Richard Pomet, merchant,

  • John Fletcher, merchant,

  • Thomas Nicholls, merchant,

  • John Stoke, merchant,

  • Gabriel Archer,

  • Francis Covel,

  • William Bonham,

  • Edward Harrison,

  • John Wolstenholme,

  • Nicholas Salter,

  • Hugh Evans,

  • William Barnes,

  • Otho Mawdet,

  • Richard Staper, merchant,

  • John Elkin, merchant,

  • William Coyse,

  • Thomas Perkin, cooper,

  • Humphry James, cooper,

  • Henry Jackson,

  • Robert Singleton,

  • Christopher Nicholls,

  • John Harper,

  • Abraham Chamberlayne,

  • Thomas Shipton,

  • Thomas Carpenter,

  • Anthony Crew,

  • George Holman,

  • Robert Hill,

  • Cleophas Smith,

  • Ralph Harrison,

  • John Farmer,

  ---

  403

  
  
  

  • James Brearley,

  • William Crosby,

  • Richard Cox,

  • John Gearing,

  • Richard Strongarm, Ironmonger,

  • Thomas Langton,

  • Griffith Hinton,

  • Richard Ironsides,

  • Richard Dean,

  • Richard Turner,

  • William Lawson, Mercer,

  • James Chatfield,

  • Edward Allen,

  • Tedder Roberts,

  • Hildebrand Sprinson,

  • Arthur Mowse,

  • John Gardiner,

  • James, Russel,

  • Richard Caswell,

  • Richard Evans,

  • John Hawkins,

  • Richard Kerril,

  • Richard Brooke,

  • Matthew Scrivener, gentleman,

  • William Stallenge gentleman,

  • Arthur Venn, gentleman,

  • Sandys Webbe, gentleman,

  • Michael Phettiplace, gentleman,

  • William Phettiplace, gentleman,

  • Ambrose Prusey, gentleman,

  • John Taverner, gentleman,

  • George Pretty, gentleman,

  • Peter Latham, gentleman,

  • Thomas Montford, gentleman,

  • William Cantrel, gentleman,

  • Richard Wiffin, gentleman,

  • Ralph Moreton, gentleman,

  ---

  404

  
  
  

  • John Cornelius,

  • Martin Freeman,

  • Ralph Freeman,

  • Andrew Moore,

  • Thomas White,

  • Edward Perkin,

  • Robert Offley,

  • Thomas Whitley,

  • George Pit,

  • Robert Parkhurst,

  • Thomas Morris,

  • Peter Harloe,

  • Jeffry Duppa,

  • John Gilbert,

  • William Hancock,

  • Matthew Brown,

  • Francis Tyrrel,

  • Randal Carter,

  • Othowell Smith,

  • Thomas Hamond,

  • Martin Bond, Haberdasher,

  • John Moulsoe,

  • Robert Johnson,

  • William Young,

  • John Woodal,

  • William Felgate,

  • Humfrey Westwood,

  • Richard Champion,

  • Henry Robinson,

  • Francis Mapes,

  • William Sambach,

  • Ralegh Crashaw,

  • Daniel Tucker,

  • Thomas Grave,

  • Hugh Willeston,

  • Thomas Culpepper, of Wigsel Esq,

  ---

  405

  
  
  

  • John Culpepper, gentleman

  • Henry Lee,

  • Josias Kirton, gentleman,

  • John Pory, gentleman,

  • Henry Collins,

  • George Burton,

  • William Atkinson,

  • Thomas Forest,

  • John Russel,

  • John Holt,

  • Harman Harrison,

  • Gabriel Beedel,

  • John Beedel,

  • Henry Dawkes,

  • George Scot,

  • Edward Fleetwood, gentleman,

  • Richard Rogers, gentleman,

  • Arthur Robinson,

  • Robert Robinson,

  • John Huntley,

  • John Grey,

  • William Payne,

  • William Field,

  • William Wattey,

  • William Webster,

  • John Dingley,

  • Thomas Draper,

  • Richard Glanvil,

  • Arnold Lulls,

  • Henry Roe,

  • William More,

  • Nicholas Gryce,

  • James Monger,

  • Nicholas Andrews,

  • Jeremy Hayden, Ironmonger,

  • Philip Durette,

  ---

  406

  
  
  

  • John Quarles,

  • John West,

  • Matthew Springham,

  • John Johnson,

  • Christopher Hore,

  • Thomas Snead,

  • George Berkeley,

  • Arthur Pet,

  • Thomas Careles,

  • William Berkeley,

  • Thomas Johnson,

  • Alexander Bents,

  • Captain William King,

  • George Sandys, gentleman,

  • James White, gentleman,

  • Edmond Wynne,

  • Charles Towler,

  • Richard Reynold,

  • Edward Webb,

  • Richard Maplesden,

  • Thomas Lever,

  • David Bourne,

  • Thomas Wood,

  • Ralph Hamer,

  • Edward Barnes, Mercer,

  • John Wright, Mercer,

  • Robert Middleton,

  • Edward Littlefield,

  • Katharine West,

  • Thomas Web,

  • Ralph King,

  • Robert Coppin,

  • James Askew,

  • Christopher Holt,

  • William Bardwell,

  • Alexander Chiles,

  ---

  407

  
  
  

  • Lewis Tate,

  • Edward Ditchfield,

  • James Swifte,

  • Richard Widdowes, goldsmith,

  • Edmond Brudenell,

  • Edward Burwell,

  • John Hansford,

  • Edward Wooller,

  • William Palmer, Haberdasher,

  • John Badger,

  • John Hodgson,

  • Peter Mounsel,

  • John Carril,

  • John Busbridge,

  • William Dun,

  • Thomas Johnson,

  • Nicholas Benson,

  • Thomas Shipton,

  • Nathaniel Wade,

  • Randal Wetwood,

  • Matthew Dequester,

  • Charles Hawkins,

  • Hugh Hamersley,

  • Abraham Cartwright,

  • George Bennet,

  • William Cater,

  • Richard Goddart,

  • Henry Cromwell,

  • Phineas Pet,

  • Robert Cooper,

  • John Cooper,

  • Henry Newce,

  • Edward Wilkes,

  • Robert Bateman,

  • Nicholas Ferrar,

  • John Newhouse,

  ---

  408

  
  
  

  • John Cason,

  • Thomas Harris, gentleman,

  • George Etheridge, gentleman,

  • Thomas Mayle, gentleman,

  • Richard Stafford,

  • Thomas —,

  • Richard Cooper,

  • John Westraw,

  • Edward Welch,

  • Thomas Britain,

  • Thomas Knowles,

  • Octavian Thorne,

  • Edmond Smith,

  • John March,

  • Edward Carew,

  • Thomas Pleydall,

  • Richard Let,

  • Miles Palmer,

  • Henry Price,

  • John Joshua, gentleman,

  • William Clauday,

  • Jeremy Pearsye,

  • John Bree, gentleman,

  • William Hampson,

  • Christopher Pickford,

  • Thomas Hunt,

  • Thomas Truston,

  • Christopher Salmon,

  • John Howard, clerk,

  • Richard Partridge,

  • Allen Cassen,

  • Felix Wilson,

  • Thomas Bathurst,

  • George Wilmer,

  • Andrew Wilmer,

  • Maurice Lewellin,

  ---

  409

  
  
  

  • Thomas Godwin,

  • Peter Burgoyne,

  • Thomas Burgoyne,

  • Robert Burgoyne,

  • Robert Smith, merchant-taylor,

  • Edward Cage, grocer,

  • Thomas Cannon, gentleman,

  • William Welby, Stationer,

  • Clement Wilmer, gentleman,

  • John Clapham, gentleman,

  • Giles Francis, gentleman,

  • George Walker, Sadler,

  • John Swinhow, Stationer,

  • Edward Bishop, Stationer,

  • Leonard White, gentleman,

  • Christopher Baron,

  • Peter Benson,

  • Richard Smith,

  • George Proctor, minister,

  • Millicent Ramsden, widow,

  • Joseph Soane,

  • Thomas Hinshaw,

  • John Baker,

  • Robert Thornton,

  • John Davis,

  • Edward Facet,

  • George Newce, gentleman,

  • John Robinson,

  • Captain Thomas Wood,

  • William Brown Shoemaker,

  • Robert Barker, Shoemaker,

  • Robert Pennington,

  • Francis Burley, minister,

  • William Quick, grocer,

  • Edward Lewis, grocer,

  • Laurence Campe, Draper,

  ---

  410

  
  
  

  • Aden Perkins, grocer,

  • Richard Shepherd, preacher,

  • William Shacley, Haberdasher,

  • William Taylor, Haberdasher,

  • Edwin Lukin, gentleman,

  • John Franklyn, Haberdasher,

  • John Southwick,

  • Peter Peate,

  • George Johan, Ironmonger,

  • George Yeardley, gentleman,

  • Henry Shelley,

  • John Prat,

  • Thomas Church, draper,

  • William Powell, gentleman,

  • Richard Frith, gentleman,

  • Thomas Wheeler, draper,

  • Francis Haselrig, gentleman,

  • Hugh Shipley, gentleman,

  • John Andrews, the Elder, Doctor of Cambridge,

  • Francis Whistler, gentleman,

  • John Vassal, gentleman,

  • Richard Howle,

  • Edward Berkeley, gentleman,

  • Richard Keneridgburg, gentleman,

  • Nicholas Exton, Draper,

  • William Bennet, Fishmonger,

  • James Haywood, merchant,

  • Nicholas Isaac merchant,

  • William Gibbs merchant,

  • — Bishop,

  • Bernard Mitchel,

  • Isaac Mitchel,

  • John Streate,

  • Edward Gall,

  • John Martin, gentleman,

  • Thomas Fox,

  ---

  411

  
  
  

  • Luke Lodge,

  • John Woodliffe, gentleman,

  • Richard Webb,

  • Vincent Low,

  • Samuel Burnham,

  • Edmund Pears, Haberdasher,

  • John Googe,

  • John St. John,

  • Edward Vaughan,

  • William Dunn,

  • Thomas Alcocke,

  • John Andrews, the Younger of Cambridge,

  • Samuel Smith,

  • Thomas Gerrard,

  • Thomas Whittingham,

  • William Canning,

  • Paul Canning,

  • George Chandler,

  • Henry Vincent,

  • Thomas Ketley,

  • James Skelton,

  • James Mountaine,

  • George Webb, gentleman,

  • Joseph Newbridge, smith,

  • Josiah Maud,

  • Captain Ralph Hamer, the Younger,

  • Edward Brewster, the son of William Brewster,

  • Leonard Harwood, mercer,

  • Philip Druerdent,

  • William Carpenter,

  • Tristian Hill,

  • Robert Cock, grocer,

  • Laurence Green grocer,

  • Daniel Winch grocer,

  • Humphrey Stile grocer,

  • Averie Drausfield grocer,

  ---

  412

  
  
  

  • Edward Hodges grocer,

  • Edward Beale grocer,

  • Thomas Cutler grocer,

  • Ralph Bushby grocer,

  • John Whittingham grocer,

  • John Hide grocer,

  • Matthew Shepherd grocer,

  • Thomas Allen grocer,

  • Richard Hooker grocer,

  • Lawrence Munks grocer,

  • John Tanner grocer,

  • Peter Gate grocer,

  • John Blunt grocer,

  • Robert Phips grocer,

  • Robert Berrisford grocer,

  • Thomas Wells grocer,

  • John Ellis grocer,

  • Henry Colthurst grocer,

  • John Cavady grocer,

  • Thomas Jennings grocer,

  • Edmond Pashall grocer,

  • Timothy Bathurst grocer,

  • Giles Parslow grocer,

  • Robert Mildmay grocer,

  • Richard Johnson grocer,

  • William Johnson, Vintner,

  • Ezekiel Smith,

  • Richard Martin,

  • William Sharpe,

  • Robert Rich,

  • William Stannard, Innholder,

  • John Stocken,

  • William Strachey, gentleman,

  • George, Farmer, gentleman,

  • Thomas Gypes, Clothworker,

  • Abraham Dawes, gentleman,

  ---

  413

  
  
  

  • Thomas Brocket, gentleman,

  • George Bache, fishmonger,

  • John Dike, fishmonger,

  • Henry Spranger,

  • Richard Farrington,

  • Christopher Vertue, Vintner,

  • Thomas Bayley Vintner,

  • George Robins, Vintner,

  • Tobias Hinson, grocer,

  • Urian Spencer,

  • Clement Chicheley

  • John Scarpe, gentleman,

  • James Campbell, Ironmonger,

  • Christopher Clitheroe, Ironmonger,

  • Philip Jacobson,

  • Peter Jacobson of Antwerp,

  • William Berkeley,

  • Miles Banks, cutler,

  • Peter Higgons, grocer,

  • Henry John, gentleman,

  • John Stokeley, merchant-taylor,

  • The Company of Mercers,

    • Grocers,

    • Drapers,

    • Fishmongers,

    • Goldsmiths,

    • Skinners,

    • Merchant-taylors,

    • Haberdashers,

    • Salters,

    • Ironmongers,

    • Vintners,

    • Clothworkers,

    • Dyers,

    • Brewers,

    • Leathersellers,

  ---

  414

  
  
  

  • The Company of Pewterers,

    • Cutlers,

    • Whitebakers,

    • Wax-chandlers,

    • Tallow-chandlers,

    • Armorers,

    • Girdlers,

    • Butchers,

    • Sadlers,

    • Carpenters,

    • Cordwayners,

    • Barber-Chirurgeons,

    • Paint-Stainers,

    • Curriers,

    • Masons,

    • Plumbers,

    • Inholders,

    • Founders,

    • Poulterers,

    • Cooks,

    • Coopers,

    • Tylers and Bricklayers,

    • Bowyers,

    • Fletchers,

    • Blacksmiths,

    • Joiners,

    • Weavers,

    • Woolmen,

    • Woodmongers,

    • Scriveners,

    • Fruiterers,

    • Plaisterers,

    • Brown bakers,

    • Stationers,

    • Imbroiderers,

    • Upholsters,

  ---

  415

  
  
  

  • The Company of Musicians,

    • Turners,

    • Gardiners,

    • Basketmakers,

    • Glaziers,

  • John Levet, merchant,

  • Thomas Nornicot, clothworker,

  • Richard Venn, Haberdasher,

  • Thomas Scot, gentleman,

  • Thomas Juxon, merchant-taylor,

  • George Hankinson,

  • Thomas Seyer, gentleman,

  • Matthew Cooper,

  • George Butler, gentleman,

  • Thomas Lawson, gentleman,

  • Edward Smith, Haberdasher,

  • Stephen Sparrow,

  • John Jones, merchant,

  • — Reynolds, Brewer,

  • Thomas Plummer, merchant,

  • James Duppa, Brewer,

  • Rowland Coitmore,

  • William Southerne,

  • George Whitmore, Haberdasher,

  • Anthony Gosnold, the Younger,

  • John Allen, Fishmonger,

  • Simon Yeomans, Fishmonger,

  • Lancelot Davis, gentleman,

  • John Hopkins, Alderman of Bristol,

  • John Kettleby, gentleman,

  • Richard Cline, Goldsmith,

  • George Hooker, gentleman,

  • Robert Chening, yeoman;[4]

and to such and so many, as they do, or shall hereafter admit
to be joined with them, in form hereafter in these presents
expressed whether they go in their persons, to be planters
there in the said plantation, or whether they go not, but
adventure their monies, goods, or chattles; That they shall
be one body or commanalty perpetual, and shall have perpetual
succession, and one common seal, to serve for the said
body or commonalty; and that they, and their successors,
shall be known, called and incorporated by the name of,
The Treasurer and Company of Adventurers and Planters
of the City of London for the first Colony in Virginia:"

IV. [Authorizes this company "to take and hold property,"
etc.]

V. [They may plead and be impleaded.]

"VI. And we do also of our special grace, certain knowledge
and mere motion, give, grant and confirm, unto the
said Treasurer and Company, and their successors, under
the reservations, limitations, and declarations, hereafter
expressed, all those lands, countries, and territories, situate,
lying, and being, in that part of America called Virginia, from
the point of land, called Cape or Point Comfort, all along
the sea coast, to the Northward two hundred miles, and from
the said point of Cape Comfort, all along the sea coast to the
southward two hundred miles, and all that space and circuit
of land, lying from the sea coast of the precinct aforesaid,

up into the land, throughout from sea to sea, west and northwest;
and also all the islands, lying within one hundred miles,
along the coast of both seas of the precinct aforesaid; together
with all the soils, grounds, havens, and ports, mines, as well
royal mines of gold and silver, as other minerals, pearls and
precious stones, quarries, woods, rivers, waters, fishings,
commodities, jurisdictions, royalties, privileges, franchises
and preheminences, within the said territories, and the precincts
thereof, whatsoever, and thereto and thereabouts, both
by sea and land, being and in any sort belonging or appertaining,
and which we, by our letters patents, may or can grant, in
as ample manner and sort, as we or any of our noble progenitors,
have heretofore granted to any company, body politick
or corporate, or to any adventurer or adventurers, undertaker
or undertakers, of any discoveries, Plantations, or
traffick, of, in or unto any foreign parts whatsoever, and in
as large and ample manner, as if the same were herein particularly
mentioned and expressed; to have and to hold, possess
and enjoy, all and singular the said lands, countries and
territories, with all and singular other the premises, heretofore
by these presents granted, or mentioned to be granted,
to them, the said treasurer and company, their successors
and assigns forever; to the sole and proper use of them, the
said Treasurer and company, theire successors and assigns
for ever; to be holden of us, our heirs, and successors, as of
our manour of East Greenwich, in free and common soccage,
and not in capite; [see V. arts. XVIII. and IX.] yielding and
paying, therefore, to us, our heirs, and successors, the fifth
part only of all ore of gold and silver, that from time to
time, and at all times hereafter, shall be there gotten, had,
or obtained for all manner of services.

"VII. And nevertheless our will and pleasure is, and we
do by these presents, charge, command, warrant, and
authorise, that the said Treasurer and company, or their successors,
or the major part of them, which shall be present
and assembled for that purpose, shall, from time to time,

under their common seal, distribute, convey, assign, and set
over, such particular portions of Lands, tenements, and
hereditaments, by these presents formerly granted, unto such
our loving subjects, naturally born, or denizens, or others,
as well adventurers as planters, as by the said company (upon
a commission of survey and distribution, executed and returned
for that purpose,) shall be nominated, appointed and
allowed; wherein our will and pleasure is, that respect be
had, as well of the proportion of the adventurer, as to the
special service, hazard, exploit, or merit of any person so to
be recompenced, advanced, or rewarded.

"VIII. And forasmuch, as the good and prosperous success
of the said plantation cannot but chiefly depend next
under the blessing of God, and the support of our royal
authority, upon the provident and good direction of the whole
enterprize, by a careful and understanding Council, and that
it is not convenient that all the adventurers shall be so often
drawn to meet and assemble, as shall be requisite for them
to have meetings and conference about the affairs thereof;
therefore we do ordain, establish and confirm, that there
shall be perpetually one Council here resident, according to
the tenour of our former letters patents; which council shall
have a seal, for the better government and administration
of the said plantation, besides the legal seal of the company or
corporation, as in our former letters patents is also expressed.

"IX. And further, we establish and ordain, that Henry,
Earl of Southampton; William, Earl of Pembroke; Henry,
Earl of Lincoln; Thomas, Earl of Exeter; Robert Lord Viscount
Lisle; Lord Theophilus Howard; James Lord Bishop
of Bath and Wells; Edward, Lord Zouch; Thomas, Lord La
Warr; William, Lord Monteagle; Edmond Lord Sheffield;
Grey, Lord Chandois; John, Lord Stanhope; George, Lord
Carew; Sir Humfrey Weld, Lord Mayor of London; Sir Edward
Cecil, Sir William Wade,[5] Sir Henry Nevil, Sir Thomas

Smith, Sir Oliver Cromwell, Sir Peter Manwood, Sir Thomas
Challoner, Sir Henry Hobart, Sir Francis Bacon, Sir George
Coppin, Sir John Scot, Sir Henry Carey, Sir Robert Drury,
Sir Horatio Vere, Sir Edward Conway, Sir Maurice Berkeley,
Sir Thomas Gates, Sir Michael Sondes, Sir Robert Mansel,
Sir John Trevor, Sir Amias Preston, Sir William Godolphin,
Sir Walter Cope, Sir Robert Killigrew, Sir Henry Fanshawe,
Sir Edwin Sandys, Sir John Watts, Sir Henry Montague, Sir
William Romney, Sir Thomas Roe, Sir Baptist Hicks, Sir
Richard Williamson, Sir Stephen Poole, Sir Dudley Digges,
Christopher Brooke Esq., John Eldred, and John Wolstenholme,
shall be our Council for the said Company of Adventurers
and Planters in Virginia.

"X. And the said Thomas Smith we do ordain to be
treasurer of the said Company; which treasurer shall have
authority to give order for the warning of the Council and
summoning the Company, to their courts and meetings.

"XI. And the said council and treasurer, or any of them
shall be from henceforth, nominated, chosen, continued, displaced,
changed, altered, and supplied, as death, or other
several occasions, shall require, out of the company of the
said adventurers, by the voice of the greater part of the said

company and adventurers, in their assembly for that purpose:
Provided always, that every counsellor, so newly
elected, shall be presented to the Lord Chancellor of England,
or to the Lord High Treasurer of England, or to the
Lord Chamberlain of the household of us, our heirs, and
successors, for the time being, to take his oath of a counsellor
to us, our heirs and successors, for the said Company of
adventurers and colony in Virginia."

XII. [Provides for a deputy treasurer, etc.]

"XIII. And further, of our special grace, certain knowledge,
and mere motion, for us, our heirs and successors, we
do, by these presents, give and grant full power and authority
to our said Council, here resident, as well at this present
time, as hereafter from time to time, to nominate, make,
constitute, ordain, and confirm, by such name or names, stile
or stiles, as to them shall seem good, and likewise to revoke,
discharge, change, and alter, as well all and singular governors,
officers, and ministers, which already have been made,
as also which hereafter shall be by them thought fit and
needful to be made or used, for the government of the said
colony and plantation;

"XIV. And also to make, ordain and establish all manner
of orders, laws, directions, instructions, forms, and ceremonies
of government and magistracy, fit and necessary, for
and concerning the government of the said colony and plantation;
and the same at all times hereafter, to abrogate, revoke,
or change, not only within the precincts of the said colony,
but also upon the seas in going, and coming, to and from
the said colony, as they, in their good discretion, shall think
to be fittest for the good of the adventurers and inhabitants
there.

"XV. And we do also declare, that, for divers reasons
and considerations us thereunto especially moving, our will
and pleasure, is, and we do hereby ordain, that immediately
from and after such time, as any such governor or principal
officer, so to be nominated and appointed, by our said Council,

for the government of the said colony as aforesaid, shall arrive
in Virginia, and give notice unto the colony there resident of
our pleasure in this behalf, the government, power and authority
of the President and Council, heretofore by our former
letters patents there established, and all laws and constitutions,
by them formerly made, shall utterly cease and be
determined, and all officers, governors, and ministers, formerly
constituted or appointed, shall be discharged, anything,
in our former letters patents concerning the said plantation
contained, in any wise to the contrary notwithstanding;
straightly charging and commanding the President and council,
now resident in the said colony, upon their allegiance,
after knowledge given unto them of our will and pleasure,
by these presents signified and declared, that they forthwith
be obedient to such governor or governors, as by our said
council, here resident, shall be named and appointed, as aforesaid,
and to all directions, orders and commandments, which
they shall receive from them, as well in the present resigning
and giving up of their authority, offices, charge and places,
as in all other attendance, as shall be by them, from time to
time, required."

XVI. [New members may be admitted and old ones disfranchised,
by the treasurer and council, "or any four of them
(the treasurer being one)."]

XVII. [Mining privileges, about as in V., Art. IX., including,
however, "iron, lead, and tin, and all other minerals."]

XVIII. ["Licence to travaile to Virginia—Shippinge
—Armour—Munition"—to the same purport as in V., articles
XI. and XIV.]

XIX. [Colonists to be free of all subsidies and customs
for 21 years, and from all taxes and impositions, forever,
upon all importations or exportations "except only the five
pounds per cent." due on all goods imported into England,
etc., "according to the ancient trade of merchants." Provided,
the exportation is within thirteen months after importation,

i. e., after the first landing of said goods "within any
part of those dominions."]

XX. [May expel intruders, etc., to the same purport as
article XII. in V.]

XXI. [Similar to article XIII. in V., except that the
duty on such British subjects as are not adventurers is increased
from 2½ to 5 per cent., and the duty on aliens from
5 to 10 per cent.]

XXII. [To the same purport as article XV. in V.]

"XXIII. And forasmuch, as it shall be necessary for all
such our loving subjects, as shall inhabit within the said
precincts of Virginia, aforesaid, to determine to live together,
in the fear and true worship of Almighty God, Christian
peace, and civil quietness, each with other, whereby every
one may, with more safety, pleasure, and profit, enjoy that,
whereunto they shall attain with great pain, and peril; we,
for us, our heirs, and successors, are likewise pleased and
contented, and by these presents, do give and grant unto
the said Treasurer and Company, and their successors, and
to such governors, officers, and ministers, as shall be by our
said Council, constituted and appointed, according to the
natures and limits of their offices and places respectively, that
they shall and may from time to time forever hereafter, within
the said precincts, of Virginia, or in the way by sea thither
and from thence, have full and absolute power and authority,
to correct, punish, pardon, govern and rule, all such the subjects
of us, our heirs and successors, as shall, from time to
time, adventure themselves in any voyage thither, or that
shall, at any time hereafter, inhabit in the precincts and
territories of the said Colony, as aforesaid, according to such
orders, ordinances, constitutions, directions, and instructions,
as by our said Council, as aforesaid, shall be established, and
in defect thereof, in case of necessity, according to the good
discretions of the said governor and officers, respectively, as
well in cases capital and criminal as civil, both marine and
other; so always, as the said statutes, ordinances and proceedings,

as near, as conveniently may be, be agreeable to the
laws, statutes, government, and policy of our realm of this
England."

XXIV. [Martial law to be enforced in cases of rebellion
or mutiny.]

XXV. [To the same purport as article XVI. in V.]

XXVI. [In all questions and doubts, that shall arise upon
any difficulty of construction or interpretation of anything
in this or the former letters patents, the same to be construed
in the most favorable manner for the said company.]

XXVII. [Former privileges confirmed.]

"XXVIII. . . . that all and singular person and persons,
which shall, at any time or times hereafter, adventure
any sum or sums of money, in and towards the said plantation
of the said colony in Virginia, and shall be admitted by
the said Council and Company, as adventurers of the said
colony, in form aforesaid, and shall be enrolled in the book
or records of the adventurers of the said company, shall and
may be accounted, accepted, taken held, and reputed, adventurers
of the said colony, and shall and may enjoy all and
singular grants, privileges . . . as fully . . . as if
they had been precisely . . . named and inserted in these
our letters patents.

"XXIX. And lastly, because the principal effect, which
we can desire or expect of this action, is the conversion and
reduction of the people in those parts unto the true worship
of God and Christian religion, in which respect we should be
loath, that any person should be permitted to pass, that we
suspected to effect the superstitions of the church of Rome:
We do hereby declare, that it is our will and pleasure, that
none be permitted to pass in any voyage, from time to time
to be made into the said country, but such, as first shall have
taken the oath of supremacy; for which purpose, we do, by
these presents, give full power and authority, to the Treasurer
for the time being, and any three of the Council, to
tender and exhibit the said oath, to all such persons, as shall,

at any time, be sent and employed in the said voyage.
Although express mention of the true yearly value or certainty
of the premises, or any of them, or of any other gifts
or grants, by us or any of our progenitors or predecessors,
to the aforesaid Treasurer and Company heretofore made,
in these presents is not made; or any act, statute, ordinance,
provision, proclamation, or restraint, to the contrary hereof
had, made, ordained, or provided, or any other thing, cause,
or matter, whatsoever, in any wise notwithstanding.

"In witness whereof, we have caused these our letters to
be made patent. Witness Ourself at Westminster, the 23d.
day of May, in the seventh year of our reign of England,
France, and Ireland, &c.

"Per ipsum Regem.