In A true and sincere declaration of the purpose and ends of the plantation begun in Virginia, published in mid-December 1609, the Virginia Company of London defends its colony in the wake of the apparent loss of the Sea Venture and reasserts the company’s desire to maintain the settlement. Some spelling has been modernized.
In three separate meetings, the Virginia Company of London evaluated a proposal made by its treasurer, Sir Edwin Sandys, to ship 100 women to Jamestown in the hope that they would entice planters to remain in Virginia, and not return to England. Page numbers refer to the manuscript, but the images of our transcription source are also included.
In this document dated July 18, 1620, the Virginia Company of London declares its intention to pay to ship 800 new settlers to Virginia, including tenants, apprentices, young women, and indentured servants. Company officials also used this declaration to explain the role and rights of tenants. Some spelling has been modernized.
In this pamphlet, published in London on July 22, 1620, the Virginia Company of London summarizes its accomplishments in the past year. Some spelling has been modernized.
In a letter to the mayor and aldermen of the City of Norwich, dated December 4, 1617, the Virginia Company of London announces a running lottery and explains how it will operate. The transcription, by the scholar Robert C. Johnson, retains the original spelling and punctuation but in some cases expands contractions and abbreviations.
In these instructions, dated November 1606, the Virginia Company of London informs the men who would settle what became Jamestown of its priorities once they land. In particular, the company suggests how to look for a Northwest Passage, how to search for gold, and how to treat the Virginia Indians, whom it calls “naturals.” Captain Christopher Newport and Bartholomew Gosnold are mentioned by name. Some spelling has been modernized and contractions expanded.
In a letter to the incoming Virginia governor, Sir George Yeardley, dated November 18, 1618, the Virginia Company of London provides instructions for running the colony, including the establishment of the headright system.
In “An Ordinance and Constitution of Treasurer and Company in England for a Council and Assembly in Virginia,” passed on July 24, 1621, the Virginia Company of London revised Virginia’s General Assembly from a unicameral to a bicameral body, consisting of a lower House of Burgesses and an upper house comprised of the governor and the governor’s Council. Some spelling has been modernized and contractions expanded.
