XII.
SIR THOMAS DALE.
XII. High Marshal
and
Acting Governor.
XII. May 19, 1611, to August, 1611.
The London Company having sent Sir Thomas Dale
with supplies for the relief of the Colony, he arrived in the
Chesapeake duly in May, 1611, and assumed charge of the
government. The code which he adopted, and which had
been sent to Virginia by the Treasurer of the London Company,
Sir Thomas Smith, was a severe one; but he sent letters
to England which induced Gates to bring over six ships,
with three hundred emigrants, and this was a happy move for
the colonists, who rejoiced with joy unspeakable at the
approach of this friendly fleet. Gates assumed command,
and the Colony numbered seven hundred men. Dale now
went up the river to found two new plantations, one of
which was named in honor of Prince Henry. He carried
with him the Rev. Alexander Whittaker and three hundred
and fifty men. One of the new positions was called New
Bermuda, or what is now known as Bermuda Hundred, and
the other, five or six miles higher up on the James, on the
opposite side of the river, was located on Farrar's Island.
This last was called Henrico City. In each of these places a
church was built, and Mr. Whittaker was placed in charge of
them. These were the first establishments after James City.
The elevation upon which Henrico City once stood, commands
a most romantic view. Four beautiful rivers appear to lend
their charms to the prospect, while in fact it is only
through the graceful windings of
one that this illusion is
produced.
Sir Thomas Dale's name is thus associated with some of
the most interesting events in the early life of the Colony,
particularly with the foundation of the churches above mentioned.
