Miscellaneous

CAROLINA IN THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY: AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY OF CONTEMPORARY PUBLICATIONS

BY WILLIAM S. POWELL^*

[Vol. 41 (1964), 74-104]

Fascinating passages in the scientific reports of Thomas Hariot and the reports of explorations by Amadas, Barlow, Lane, and others associated with the Roanoke colonies between 1584 and 1590 were slow in losing their grip on the imagination of the English people. Even after the beginning of the seventeenth century several half-hearted attempts were made to locate the lost colonists whom Governor John White had failed to find in 1590. For one reason or another—to gather herbs for the London market or to follow vague Indian clues—these efforts came to naught. Books published for a number of years afterwards, however, repeated the facts first related by the literate members of the various expeditions and reprinted the map drawn by White.

Explorations southward from Jamestown during the time of Captain John Smith were made to search for Sir Walter Raleigh’s colonists, but from 1622 onward, after John Pory made an expedition simply to get an idea of the lay of the land, there were other motives for exploration. Rumors or hopes of finding gold, silver, and copper were always rife. In time, the expanded population in the Jamestown area caused the more venturesome to seek good tobacco land to the south. All of these efforts were spontaneous within the Virginia colony. But some of them had commercial overtones. Expeditions were sometimes formally organized and the sponsors’ expectation of a profit from them prompted the publication of their findings with the hope of encouraging settlement. Large grants of land might be expected by those who could promise that the land would be settled.

After 1663, when King Charles II granted the territory of Carolina to eight of his loyal supporters, there was increased activity in both exploration and publication. Some of the tracts and broadsides reported with a degree of accuracy the state of affairs in Carolina. Others, designed only to lure colonists who would open up the country and begin to make the vast domain of the eight Lords Proprietors a source of profit, were misleading in the extreme. But venturesome Englishmen fell for the bait, and the printing press proved a useful ally in the Proprietors’ frantic activity to lure settlers to Carolina.

The term “promotional literature” has sometimes been applied to certain of the tracts issued for this specific purpose. But in effect everything not derogatory published about the American colonies in the seventeenth century was promotional, though sometimes not overtly so. Englishmen at home and Protestants on the continent were keenly interested in the American colonies. General geographical works nearly always devoted numerous pages to England’s American possessions.¹

Logically one might also class as promotional literature several other categories of seventeenth-century publications—the 1670 treaty of peace between Great Britain and Spain which related to the American colonies and the various editions of the Fundamental Constitutions of Carolina under which colonists might expect to live. There were also a few publications which were issued for personal reasons—those relating to Captain Henry Wilkinson, who had been appointed Governor of Carolina; a notice by a merchant about outfitting colonists for the Atlantic voyage; or the proposal of a man with a new system for clearing land.

As contemporary accounts of Carolina this varied assortment of tracts, broadsides, maps, and chapters in longer works represents an invaluable source. Some of the information contained there is obviously based on an intimate knowledge of the region, and much of it does not appear in the published Colonial Records of North Carolina or in other readily available sources.² These tantalizing glimpses of an earlier Carolina whet the appetite for further details. One could wish for more information, for instance, on Captain Dunbar, Clerk Ash and the “Richmond,” or for a good account of Nathan Sumers’ [sic] machine, which sounds like a modern bulldozer, with which he proposed to clear land in Carolina.³

As sources for detailed information about transportation to Carolina, these pieces are unrivaled. Fares often are quoted, terms of payment are set forth, sailing schedules are given, and lists of goods recommended to accompany the departing colonists are often repeated.

An examination of the various publications, in chronological order, reveals how frequently one writer plagiarized another. Perhaps the work of John Lederer is more often quoted than any other.⁴ Some writers were honest enough to indicate that they were quoting, but sources were seldom specifically cited. A chronological study also makes it clear as to when new information became available.

There are also several cases in which printers and publishers were responsible for more than one title in this area. Thomas Harper, for example, printed both Edward Williams’ Virgo Triumphans (1650) and Edward Bland’s The Discovery of New Brittaine (1651) for John Stephenson.⁵ The unidentified “J. C.” who printed William Hilton’s A Relation of a Discovery (1664) also printed John Lederer’s Discoverie (1672).⁶ Dorman Newman was responsible for having a second edition (1678) printed of Richard Blome’s A Description of the Island of Jamaica (1672) and for the initial printing of Blome’s The Present State of His Majesties Isles (1687).⁷ Meyndert Uytweft of The Hague was the printer in 1685 and 1686 of items in French relating to Carolina.

A study of the printers also reveals that material on Carolina was issued in London, Bristol, Dublin, The Hague, Rotterdam, and perhaps in Scotland and France.⁸

The following bibliography describes only the first edition but it should be noted that frequently subsequent editions were not mere reprints but in fact were revisions which presented the latest information available. Symbols used giving the location of copies are those used in the National Union Catalog of the Library of Congress. No attempt has been made to compile a census of all known copies; instead the locations recorded at the Library of Congress and in several standard bibliographies have been given.⁹ However, when five copies or fewer are located it may be assumed that no more are known. It should be noted that no copies are known of No. 34 in this bibliography, but the strong evidence of the existence of one in 1842 seems to warrant the inclusion of as much information as is known about it.

1622 [1]

Copland, Patrick

Virginia’s God be Thanked,/ or/ A Sermon of/ Thanksgiving/ for the happie/ success of the affayres in/ Virginia this last/ yeare./ Preached by Patrick Copland at/ Bow-Church in Cheapside, before the Honorable/ Virginia Company, on Thursday, the 18./ of April 1622. And now published by/ the Commandement of the said hono-/ rable/ Company./ ..../[rule]/London/Printed by I. D. for William Sheffard and John Bellamie,/ and are to be sold at his shop at the two Grey-/ hounds in Corne-hill, neere the Royall/ Exchange. 1622./

13 x 17.6 cm. [6], 36, [6] p. CtY DFo ICN ICU MH NjP NN RPJCB ViU

Copland apparently was the first to record in print a reference to an exploration of the Chowan River region made in February, 1622, by John Pory. The report by Pory that he had “past through great forests of Pynes 15. or 16. myle broad and above 60. mile long, which will serve well for Masts for Shipping, and for pitch and tarre, when we shall come to extend our plantatios to those borders,” together with a few other facts or observations, was for many years the best seventeenth-century eyewitness account of the region south of the Jamestown colony. The few facts provided by Pory were repeated by numerous other writers for many years.

1649 [2]

Bullock, William

Virginia/ Impartially examined, and left/ to publick view, to be considered by all Iudi-/ cious and honest men./ Under which Title is compre-/ hended the Degrees from 34 to 29, wherein/ lyes the rich and healthful Countries of Roanock,/ the now Plantations of Virginia/ and Mary-land./ Looke not upon this Booke, as/ those that are set out by private men, for private/ ends; for being read, you’l find, the publick/ good is the Authors only aime./ For this Piece is no other then the Adventurers/ or Planters faithfull Steward, disposing the Ad-/ venture for the best advantage, advising/ people of all degrees, from the highest/ Master, to the meanest Servant, how suddenly to raise/ their fortunes./ Peruse the Table, and you shall finde the/ way plainely layd downe./ By William Bvllock, Gent./ [rule] /19 April, 1649. Imprimatur, Hen: Whaley./ [rule] / London:/ Printed by John Hammond and are to be sold at his house/ over-against S. Andrews Church in Holborne. 1649./

12.5 x 17 cm. [12], 66 p. CSmH CtY DLC ICN MB MH MiU-C MWiW-C N NcD NcU NjP NN Vi ViW

This book, according to the author, was written in haste—in six days. Yet it shows signs of being the result of a great deal of thought and research. The advice to would-be settlers is marked by common sense suggestions and an understanding of the situation in Virginia. Roanoke, Virginia, and Maryland are lumped together for his purposes, and although there is a separate description of Roanoke based on Hariot, Lane, and John Smith, the body of the book contains advice applicable to the whole region. The advantages of this southern area are stressed over those of New England

The dedication is to the Earl of Arundel and Surrey and to the Lord Baltimore, the former of whom held the Heath patent of 1629 to Carolana. Information on which Bullock’s book is based came from material in his own library, he reports, and from a number of men whom he named who had lived in Virginia or engaged in trade with the colony. Among these was Samuel Vassell, who had an interest in the colonization of Carolana under the Heath grant of 1629.

1649 [3]

Numb. 215./ The/ Moderate Intelligencer:/ Impartially communicating Martiall/ Affairs to the Kingdome of/ England./ [rule]/ From Thursday, April 26. to Wednesday, May 2. 1649./ [rule]/ …. At the intreaty of a well-willer, the following lines are inserted./ There is a Gentleman going over Governour into Carolana in America, and many/ Gentlemen of quality and their families with him./ This place is of a temperate Climate, not so hot as Barbado’s nor so cold as Virginia;/ the Winter much like our March here in England..../

Imprint on p. [12]: Printed for R. Leybourn in Monkswel street. Imprimatur, Theo. Jennings.

14 x 18 cm. Pages [4-5] CSmH MnU

This contemporary newspaper reference is the only indication known that a governor was appointed for Carolana in 1649. Among the products of the country described here are “Tarre, Rosin, and Turpentine.” Prospective emigrants are directed to “repair to Mr. Edmond Thorowgood, A Virginia Merchant, living in White-Crosse-Street” for information as to “what conditions shall be given to Adventurers, Planters, and Servants.”

The complete report, with an introduction by Hugh T. Lefler, was published in The North Carolina Historical Review, XXXII (January, 1955), 102-105.

1649 [4]

A Perfect Description of/ Virginia:/ Being,/ A full and true Relation of the present State/ of the Plantation, their Health, Peace, and Plenty: the number/ of people, with their abundance of Cattell, Fowl, Fish, &c. with severall/ sorts of rich and good Commodities, which may there be had, either/ Naturally, or by Art and Labour. Which we are fain to/ procure from Spain, France, Denmark, Swedeland, Germany,/ Poland, yea, from the East-Indies. There/ having been nothing related of the/ true estate of this Planta-/ tion these 25 years./ Being sent from Virginia, at the request of a Gentleman of worthy note,/ who desired to know the true State of Virginia as it now stands./ Also,/ A Narration of the Countrey, within a few/ dayes journey of Virginia, West and by South, where people come/ to trade: being related to the Governour, Sir William Berckley,/ who is to go himselfe to discover it with 30 horse, and 50 foot,/ and other things needful for his enterprize./ With the manner how the Emperor Nichotawance/ came to Sir William Berckley, attended with five petty Kings,/ to doe Homage, and bring Tribute to King Charles. With his/ solemne Protestation, that the Sun and Moon should lose/ their Lights, before he (or his people in that Country)/ should prove disloyall, but ever to keepe, Faith/ and Allegiance to King/ Charles./ [decorative device]/ London, Prin^d for Richard Wodenoth, at the Star under Peters/ Church in Cornhill, 1649./

17.6 x 13.4 cm. 19 p. CtY DLC MA MBAt MH MiU-C MWiW-C NHi NN PPL ViU

A report of the 1622 exploration of the Chowan River region by John Pory is given by way of supplying information on the part of Virginia “to the Southward of James River.” The new information is given that Governor Sir George Yeardley perhaps intended to outfit a larger expedition to explore the land which Pory had visited, but that the massacre of 1622 and the withdrawal of the charter of the Virginia Company two years later prevented the completion of his plans to that end.

1650 [5]

Williams, Edward

Virgo Trivmphans:/ or,/ Virginia/ richly and truly valued; more especi/ ally the South part thereof: viz./ The fertile Carolana, and no lesse excel-/ lent Isle of Roanoak, of Latitude from/ 31 to 37 Degr. relating the meanes of/ raising infinite profits to the Adventu-/ rers and Planters:/ Humbly presented as the Auspice of a beginning Yeare,/ To the Parliament of England,/ And Councell of State./ [rule]/ By Edvvard Williams, Gent./ [rule]/ [woodcut]/ [rule)/ London, Printed by Thomas Harper, for John Stephenson,/ and are to be sold at his Shop on Ludgate-Hill, at the Signe/ of the Sunne, 1650./

18.5 x 13.5 cm. [12], 47, [8] p. CSmH DLC ICN MH NcU NN PPL RPJCB Vi

A new edition appeared the same year with the title Virginia: More Especially the South Part Thereof, Richly and Truly Valued. Only the title page and alterations in the prefatory matter make this edition different from the first. A copy in the Huntington Library, San Marino, California, lacks the errata which appears on [C2] verso, the eight-page table and supplement at the end, and it has a different title page, being entitled Virgo Triumphans: or, Virginia in General.

This work is dedicated to Parliament with a statement concerning 12 advantages to be gained by England from the settlement of “the South parts of Virginia.” The reader is promised that in this book he “shall discover the beauties of a long neglected Virgin the incomparable Roanoake, and the adjacent excellencies of Carolana, a Country whom God and nature has indulged with blessings incommunicable to any other Region.”

The natural products of the country are described in glowing terms, and some 14 pages are devoted to a discussion of the possibilities of raising silkworms. Ralph Lane, Thomas Hariot, John Pory, and Sir William Berkeley are cited among the sources of information. A brief “Supplement” attempts to allay some doubts which seem to have been expressed by prospective settlers of the region when they showed signs of fear of the Indians on the uncleared frontier.

1651 [6]

Bland, Edward

The/ Discovery/ of/ Nevv Brittaine./ Began August 27. Anno Dom. 1650./ By/ [bracket] Edward Bland, Merchant./ Abraham Woode, Captaine./ Sackford Brewster,/ Elias Pennant,/ [bracket] Gentlemen./ From Fort Henry, at the head of Appa-/ mattuck River in Virginia, to the Fals of Blandina, first River in New Brit-/ taine, which runneth West; being/ 120. Mile South-west, between 35./ & 37 degrees, (a pleasant Country,)/ of temperate Ayre, and fertile Soyle./ [rule]/ London,/ Printed by Thomas Harper for John Stephenson, at the/ Sun below Ludgate. M.DC.LI./

18 x 12.5 cm. [6], 16 p. CSmH CtY DLC MiU-C NHi PBL RPJCB

New Britain, as described here, is northeastern North Carolina.¹⁰ In August, 1650, Bland and three other men explored a part of the region soon to become Albemarle County in Carolina. Upon their return to Virginia they were authorized by the Assembly on October 20, 1650, to explore and settle “to the Southward in any convenient place where they discover.” Here Bland gives an appealing account of their voyage of discovery during which they assigned names to the streams, islands, and other features of the land. Aside from the report on the geography of the region, this account contains some interesting Indian lore but less detail about the products of the country than later studies. It was, however, designed to interest settlers who might make up the 100 men which Bland was required to have in his colony in order to meet the specifications of the grant from the Virginia Assembly.

1662 [7]

G[reen], R[oger]

Virginia’s Cure:/ or/ An Advisive Narrative/ Concerning/ Virginia./ Discovering/ The true Ground of that Churches/ Unhappiness, and the only true Remedy./ As it was presented to the Right Reverend Father in/ God Gvilbert Lord Bishop of London,/ September 2. 1661./ [rule]/ Now publish’d to further the Welfare of that/ and the like Plantations:/ By R. G./ [rule]/ [quotations]/ [rule]/ London, Printed by W. Godbid for Henry Brome at the Signe of/ the Gun in Ivy-lane, 1662./

16.2 x 12 cm. [6], 22 p. CSmH MH NHi PPL PPL-R

The Rev. Roger Green, long ascribed as the author of this tract, received a grant of 1,000 acres of land “where it shall seem most convenient to him” in the vicinity of the Roanoke River, on the south side of the Chowan River, in 1653. Of especial Carolina interest in this publication is the description of the boundaries of Virginia. The author cites the Chowan River as being the southern limit of that colony.

1664 [8]

Hilton, William

A/ Relation/ of/ A discovery lately made on the Coast of/ Florida,/ (From Lat. 31 to 33 Deg. 45 Min. North-Lat.)/ By William Hilton Commander, and/ Commissioner with Capt. Anthony Long,/ and Peter Fabian, in the Ship Adventure, which/ set Sayl from Spikes Bay, Aug. 10, 1663. and was/ set forth by several Gentlemen and Mer-/ chants of the Island of Barbadoes./ Giving an account of the nature and tempera-/ ture of the Soyl, the manners and disposition/ of the Natives, and whatsoever else is/ remarkable therein./ Together with/ Proposals made by the Commissioners/ of the Lords Proprietors, to all such per-/ sons as shall become the first Setler on the/ Rivers, Harbors, and Creeks there./ [rule]/ London, Printed by J. C. for Simon Miller at the Star neer the/ West-end of St. Pauls, 1664./

18 x 14 cm. 34 p. CSmH CtY DLC MB MH MiU-C NcD NjP NN RPJCB

The New York Public Library copy differs in that the imprint reads: London,/ Printed by J. C. for Richard Moon, Book-seller in/ Bristol, 1664./ It was perhaps printed for distribution by other booksellers than those in London and Bristol. Mention of the home town of a prospective colonist in the imprint would surely lend authority to the claims made in the text.

Hilton, under the sponsorship of a group of citizens of Barbados, led an expedition to Carolina just five months after King Charles II had granted a charter for the region to the eight Lords Proprietors. The first exploration was of the area between the Combahee River (now in South Carolina and Port Royal, but after a little more than a month the group sailed north to “Cape Fair”—now Cape Fear. From early October until December 4 Hilton and his companions explored the rivers and sounds of the Carolina coast and the mainland in the vicinity of the Cape Fear River. Many of the names which they gave to geographical features (Stag Park and Rocky Point, for instance) are still in use. Their comments on the land, plants, and wildlife, as well as on the Indians, are reminiscent of those of the Roanoke explorers nearly a century earlier. In this account there are comments on the attempt of some New Englanders to colonize the Cape Fear area in 1663.

The immediate results of Hilton’s voyage and report were the announcing of generous inducements to settlers by the Lords Proprietors and the establishment on the Cape Fear of a colony from Barbados.

1666 [9]

A Brief Description/ Of/ The Province/ of/ Carolina/ On the Coasts of Floreda./ And/ More perticularly of a New-Plantation/ begun by the English at Cape-Feare,/ on that River now by them called Charles-River,/ the 29th of May. 1664./ Wherein is set forth/ The Healthfulness of the Air; the Fertility of/ the Earth, and Waters; and the great Pleasure and/ Profit will accrue to those that shall go thither to enjoy/ the same./ Also,/ Directions and advice to such as shall go thither whether/ on their own accompts, or to serve under another./ Together with/ A most accurate Map of the whole Province./ [rule]/ London, Printed for Robert Horne in the first Court of Gresham-/ Colledge neer Bishopsgate street. 1666./

14 x 19.5 cm. 10 p. CSmH DLC ICN MiU-C NcU NHi NjP NN RPJCB ViU

A very brief description of the geography of Carolina is followed by a statement about the Cape Fear [Clarendon County] settlement. This colony landed, according to this pamphlet, by May 29, 1664, and had grown to about 800 persons with good houses and forts. A report on the quality of the land and the trees growing there is designed to tempt the would-be settler. Among the six “Privileges” of the colonists are “full and free Liberty of Conscience,” “freedom from Custom for all Wine, Silk, Raisins, Currance, Oyl, Olives, and Almonds,” and the authority “to choose annually from among themselves a certain Number of Men, according to their divisions, which constitute the General Assembly....” Finally there is a special invitation to “all Artificers, as Carpenters, Wheel-rights, Joyners, Coopers, Bricklayers, Smiths, or diligent Husbandmen and Labourers ...” to “repair to Mr. Matthew Wilkinson, Ironmonger, at the Sign of the Three Feathers in Bishopsgate-street, where they may be informed when the Ships will be ready, and what they must carry with them.”

“If any Maid or single Woman have a desire to go over,” one reads, “they will think themselves in the Golden Age, when Men paid a Dowry for their Wives; for if they be but Civil, and under 50 years of Age, some honest Man or other, will purchase them for their Wives.”

1670 [10]

The/ Fundamental/ Constitutions/ of/ Carolina./

No imprint. Consists of 120 sections. Dated March 1, 1669 [i. e., 1670].

27 x 16.2 cm. 25 p. DLC MH NN

The Fundamental Constitutions, designed for the government of Carolina, were first drawn up on July 21, 1669, and contained 81 or 111 sections.¹¹ The copy described here, a revised version, was issued on March 1, 1669 [i.e., 1670], and consisted of 120 sections. On January 12, 1681 [i.e., 1682], a further revision, but still made up of 120 sections, appeared, and on August 17 of the same year a version consisting of 121 sections was approved. A final edition, dated April 11, 1698, was made up of only forty-one sections. Of these five editions of the Fundamental Constitutions, apparently only three were printed. Those issued March 1, 1670; January 12, 1682; and April 11, 1698, are described in this bibliography as they were printed.

1670 [11]

A/ Treaty/ for the [bracket]/ Composing of Differences,/ Restraining of Depredations, and/ Establishing of Peace/ In/ America,/ Between the Crowns of/ Great Britain/ and Spain./ [rule]/ Concluded at Madrid the 8th/18 Day of/ July, in the Year of Our Lord 1670./ [rule]/ Translated out of Latin./ [rule]/ Published by His Majesties Command./ [rule]/ In the Savoy,/ Printed by the Assigns of John Bill and Christopher/ Barker, Printers to the Kings Most Excel-/ lent Majesty, 1670./

18.5 x 13.7 cm. Copy has been trimmed. [12] p. RPJCB

A preamble and the text of a treaty drawn up by Sir William Godolphin, on behalf of King Charles II, and the Earl of Penaranda, on behalf of the Queen-Regent Maria-Anna of Spain, declares “Universal Peace, true and sincere Amity in America” to be the desire of both nations. There are 16 sections relating to the obligations and hopes of both parties on the subject of their nationals in the New World.

1671 [12]

Ogilby, John

America:/ Being the Latest, and most/ Accurate Description; of the/ Nevv World;/ Containing/ The Original of the Inhabitants, and the Re-/ markable Voyages thither./ The Conquest of the vast/ Empires/ of/ Mexico and Peru,/ and other large/ Provinces and Territories,/ with the several European/ Plantations/ in those parts./ Also/ Their Cities, Fortresses, Towns, Temples,/ Mountains, and Rivers. Their Habits, Customs, Manners, and Religions./ Their Plants, Beasts, Birds, and Serpents./ An Appendix, containing, besides several other considerable/ Additions, a brief Survey of what hath been discover’d of the/ Vnknown South-Land and the Arctick Region. / [rule]/ Collected from most Authentick Authors, Augmented with later Observations, and/ Adorn’d with Maps and Sculptures, by John Ogilby Esq; His/ Majesty’s Cosmographer, Geographick Printer, and Master of the Revels/ in the Kingdom of Ireland./ [rule]/ London,/ Printed by the Author, and are to be had at his House in/ White Fryers, M.DC.LXXI./

32 x 44.2 cm. [8], 674 p. CSmH CtY DLC ICN MB MH NcU NN RPJCB

“Carolina” is on pages 205 to 212, and preceding it is a double-page map of the province. The text apparently was newly composed for this purpose and bears no relation to any of the previously published works on Carolina. A few references—to the black mold and to the similarity of the pure air of Carolina to that of Bermuda, for instance—suggest that the writer may have elaborated upon some points mentioned in A Brief Description of the Province of Carolina printed in 1666 for Robert Horne. This is truly a promotional piece, and Carolina is described in glowing terms. Tall trees suitable for masts, woods well stocked with deer, rabbits, birds, and other game, rivers “stor’d with plenty of excellent Fish of several sorts, which are taken with great ease in abundance,” and a “happy Climate” all combine to make Carolina “promising in its very Infancy.” An explanation of the “Fair Terms propos’d to whomsoever shall remove thither” concludes that the “Countrey promises to the Planter Health, Plenty and Riches at a cheap Rate.” Finally, there is a summary of the Fundamental Constitutions.¹²

1672 [13]

Blome, Richard

A/ Description/ Of the Island of/ Jamaica;/ With the other Isles and Territories/ in America, to which the/ English are Related, vix./ Barbadoes,/ St. Christophers,/ Nievis, or Me-/ vis, Antego,/ St. Vincent,/ Dominica,/ Montserrat,/ Anguilla,/ Barbada,/ Bermudes,/ Carolina,/ Virginia,/ Maryland,/ New-York,/ New-England,/ New-Found-/ Land./ Taken from the Notes of Sr. Thomas/ Linch Knight, Governour of Jamaica;/ and other Experienced Persons in the/ said Places. Illustrated with Maps./ [rule]/ Published by Richard Blome./ [rule]/ Printed by T. Milbourn, and sold by/ I. Williams Junior, in Cross-Keys-/ Court, in Little Brittain, 1672./

9.5 x 14.7 cm. [8], 192 p. CtY DGU DLC DNR ICN MB MBAt MiU-C NcD NcU NjP NHi NN PPiU RPJCB ViU

There was also a 1678 edition.

“A Description of Carolina” on pages 125 to 138 is apparently an up-to-date report on conditions in the colony. Along with the usual glowing account of the geography and a catalog of the fruits, herbs, trees, fish, and fowl, there are extensive quotations from John Lederer whose book was published the same year. Mention is made of the Lords Proprietors, their scheme of government, and the fact that there “are at present two considerable Settlements of the English, for so short a time, the one at Albemarle-River in the North, and the other about the midst of the Countrey on Ashley River....”

1672 [14]

Lederer, John

The/ Discoveries/ of/ John Lederer,/ In three several Marches from/ Virginia,/ To the West of/ Carolina,/ And other parts of the Continent:/ Begun in March 1669, and ended in September 1670./ Together with/ A General Map of the whole Territory/ which he traversed./ [rule]/ Collected and Translated out of Latine from his Discourse/ and Writings,/ By Sir William Talbot Baronet./ [rule]/ [4-line quotation]/ [rule)/ London, Printed by J. C. for Samuel Heyrick, at Grays-/ Inne-gate in Holborn. 1672./

16.7 x 12.5 cm. viii, 28 p. CSmH DLC ICN MB MdBJ MH MiU-C MnU MWiW-C NHi NjP NN PHC PP PPiU PPL PU RPJCB ViU

This perhaps is less a promotional piece for Carolina than an attempt to add luster to the name of Lederer. In a note “To the Reader” Talbot observes that he thought the “Printing of these Papers was no injury to the Author, and might prove a Service to the Publick.” During June and July, 1670, Lederer journeyed southward from Virginia, passed to the east of present-day Greensboro, crossed the Pee Dee River, and went as far to the southwest as the vicinity of modern Rock Hill, South Carolina. His return route was approximately through the site of Fayetteville, to the east of Rocky Mount, and northward to Petersburg. Between March and September he also traveled westward to the Appalachian Mountains.

Lederer describes the country through which he passed, comments on Indian customs, and notes the produce of the land. Three short essays are entitled “Conjectures of the Land beyond the Apalataean Mountains,” “Instructions to such as shall march upon Discoveries into the North-American Continent,” and “Touching Trade with Indians.”¹³

1675 [15]

An Epitome/ of/ Mr. John Speed’s Theatre of the Empire/ of/ Great Britain./ And of His Prospect/ Of the Most Famous Parts of the World./ [rule]/ In this New Edition are added,/ The Descriptions of His Majesties Dominions abroad, viz./ ... Carolina,…/ [rule]/ London, Printed for Tho. Basset at the George in Fleet street, and Ric. Chiswel at the/ Rose and Crown in St. Paul’s Church-yard. 1676./

10.8 x 17 cm. 2 vols. in one. [375]; [2], 276 [i.e., 278] p. Second part has separate title page: A/ Prospect/ of the Most/ Famous Parts of the World./ .../ [rule]/ London, Printed by W. G. 1675./¹⁴ CtY DLC ICN MH MHi MiU-C N NcU NHi NN RPJCB

“The Description of Carolina” is on pages 252 to 254 of part two. An error in paging occurs here, however, and the sketch actually is five pages in length plus a full-page map. There are also two paragraphs on Carolina on page 247 in connection with “The Description of Florida.”

The account of Carolina seems to represent an attempt to be factual rather than laudatory. Like the sketch in Speed’s larger work which appeared the following year, this one is based largely on Lederer and contains information about the form of government in the colony.

1676 [16]

Speed, John

The/ Theatre of the Empire/ of/ Great-Britain,/ Presenting an Exact Geography of the/ Kingdom of England, Scotland, Ireland,/ and the Isles adjoyning:/ As also the Shires, Hundreds, Cities and Shire-Towns within the Kingdom/ of England and Principality of Wales;/ with a/ Chronology of the Civil-wars in England, Wales and Ireland./ Together with/ A Prospect/ of the most Famous Parts of the World, Viz./ Asia, Africa, Europe, America./.../ [rule]/ By John Speed/ [rule]/ In this New Edition are added;/ In the Theatre of Great-Britain,/ …/ The Descriptions of His Majesty’s Dominions abroad; with a Map fairly engraven to each Description,/ viz. New-England, Carolina, Virginia, Jamaica,/ New-York,/ Florida,/ Mary-Land,/ Barbadoes./ .../[rule]/ London;/ Printed for Thomas Basset at the George in Fleet-street, and Richard Chiswel/ at the Rose and Crown in St. Paul’s Church-yard, MDCLXXVI./

44.5 x 30 cm. 9 p. l., 94 numb. l., [95]-98 p., 99-126 numb. l., 8 p., [127]-129 p., 121-132 numb. l., [133]-135 p., 137-146 numb. l., 1 l., 56 numb. l., [11] p. CtY MH MiD N NjP Vi

“The Description of Carolina” fills two columns of a single page, but there is some Carolina material in the report on Florida since “Carolina ... [was] formerly accounted a part of Florida, though of late separated into a peculiar Province....” Much of the geographical description is based on Lederer, and there is a report on the form of government to be established “according to a Plat-form and model drawn up by my Lord Shaftsbury.” On the verso of leaves 49 and 50 there is a large map, “A New Description of Carolina.” While the maps differ, the text is identical with that included in A Prospect of the Most Famous Parts of the World published the year before.

[1679?] [17]

Description du Pays nommé Carolina./ [London? 1679?]

19.5 x 31.5 cm. 3 p. British Museum Public Record Office

This little “Description of the Country named Carolina” is entirely in French and was intended to interest French Protestants in removing to the colony. In very simple language it sets forth the essential information: location, climate, system of government, natural products (both plant and animal), and offers assurance that the Indians are not to be feared. There was royal authority for granting “les Protestans Etrangers” the same rights and privileges as the king’s other subjects in the province. Tarheels today will agree with the anonymous writer of this tract that “cette Province est une des plus belles Contrées de Monde.”

The British Museum assigns the date [1679?] to this publication while in the Public Record Office it is filed with the Shaftesbury papers for 1671-1672.

1680 [18]

Morden, Robert

Geography/ Rectified:/ or,/ A Description/ of the/ World,/ In all its Kingdoms, Provinces, Countries,/ Islands, Cities, Towns, Seas, Rivers, Bayes, Capes,/ Ports; Their Antient and Present Names, Inhabitants,/ Situations, Histories,/ Customs, Governments, &c./ As also their Commodities, Coins, Weights, and Mea-/ sures, Compared with those at London./ Illustrated with above Sixty New Maps./ The Whole Work performed according to the more accurate discove-/ veries of Modern Authors./ [rule]/ By Robert Morden./ [rule]/ London,/ Printed for Robert Morden and Thomas Cockeril. At the/ Atlas in Cornhill, and at the three Legs in the Poultrey/ over against the Stocks-Market. 1680./

15 x 19.8 cm. 6 p. l., 418 [i. e., 388] p. CLU-C CtY DLC MiU-C RPJCB ViU

Other editions appeared in 1688, 1693, and 1700.

Pages 379 to 381 are devoted to “A Description of Carolina.” A great deal of information is packed into this brief report, and in addition to the usual geographical description and reports on flora and fauna, something is said of the “Liberty of conscience” permitted in Carolina. “And they have a Register of all grants and conveiances of Land to prevent suits and controversies; and in summ, their frame of Government is generally so well put together, that Juditious men that have seen it, say its the best for the people that live under it, of any they have read.”

1681 [19]

The/ Information/ of/ Ca^pt Hen. Wilkinson,/ of/ What hath passed betwixt him and some other/ Persons, who have attempted to prevail with him/ to Swear/ High Treason/ Against the/ Earl of Shaftsbury./ [double rule]/ London:/ Printed for Henry Wilkinson. 1681./

17.5 x 27.7 cm. [viii], 11 p. Pages 5-8 incorrectly numbered 9-12. CtY MdBP MH NcU PU

Captain Henry Wilkinson was appointed Governor of Carolina by the Lords Proprietors in February, 1681, but delays in sailing and some problems resulting from debts prevented his departure for Carolina. These facts are recited in this publication, but the main body is devoted to Wilkinson’s account of efforts to persuade him to appear in court as a witness against the Earl of Shaftesbury who was accused of a plot to overthrow King Charles II.¹⁵

1681 [20]

[Rochefort, Charles César de]

Recit/ De/ L’Estat/ Present/ Des/ Celebres Colonies/ De la Virginia, de Marie-Land, de la Caroline, du Nouveau Duché/ d’York, de Penn-Sylvania, & de la Noubelle Angleterre, situées/ dans l’Amerique septentrionale, entre les trente deuxiéme/ & quarante sixiéme degrés de l’élevation du Pole du/ Nord, & établies sous les auspices, & l’ autorité/ souveraine du Roy de la grand’ Bretagne./ Tiré fidelement des memoires des habitans des mêmes Colonies,/ en faveur de ceus, qui auroyent le dessein de s’y/ transporter & de s’y établir./ [decorative device]/ A Rotterdam,/ Chez Reinier Leers,/ [rule]/ M.DC. LXXXI./

22.8 x 17.8 cm. 43 p. DLC MB PPAmP PPL-R RPJCB

The second chapter in this little account of the English colonies in America is devoted to Virginia, Maryland, and Carolina. There are four brief paragraphs on “l’excellente colonie...de la Caroline” pointing out, among other things, that foreigners there have “la même liberté & franchise” as Englishmen. The flourishing state of the settlement on the Ashley and Cooper rivers is stressed to the exclusion of any reference to the remainder of Carolina.

This volume was issued as a supplement to the 1681 edition of the author’s Histoire Naturelle et Morale des Iles Antilles de l’Amerique which first appeared in 1658.

1682 [21]

Animadversions/ on/ Capt. Wilkinson’s/ Information./ Being highly conducive to the better informing and/ disabusing the Minds of Men, and tending to/ the publick Peace and Safety./ [rule]/ [quotation]/ [rule]/ [printers device]/ [rule]/ London,/ Printed for Walter Davis, 1682./

17.5 x 27.5 cm. [20] p. Pages 13 to 20 incorrectly numbered 11 to 18. CtY DLC NcU

In this attack on Henry Wilkinson’s pamphlet,¹⁶ the unidentified author points out numerous inconsistent statements which suggest that the Captain did, indeed, know something of a plot “against King and Government.” There are several references to Wilkinson’s Carolina interests, one of which is described as his “intended or pretended Voyage to Carolina.”

1682 [22]

A[sh], T[homas]

Carolina;/ or a/ Description/ Of the Present State of that/ Country,/ and/ The Natural Excellencies thereof, viz. The/ Healthfulness of the Air, Pleasantness of the Place,/ Advantage and Usefulness of those Rich Commo-/ dities there plentifully abounding, which much/ encrease and flourish by the Industry of the Plan-/ ters that daily enlarge that Colony./ [rule]/ Published by T. A. Gent./ Clerk on Board his Majesties Ship the Richmond, which was/ sent out in the year 1680. with particular Instructions to/ enquire into the State of that Country, by His Majesties/ Special Command, and Return’d this Present Year, 1682./ [rule]/ London,/ Printed for W. C. and to be Sold by Mrs. Grover in Pelican/ Court in Little Britain, 1682./

19 x 13.5 cm. 2, 40 p. CSmH CtY DLC ICN MB MH MiU-C MWiW NcD NcU NN RPJCB ViU

As noted on the title page, author T[homas] A[sh] was clerk on board the “Richmond”¹⁷ which was sent out in 1680 “with particular Instructions to enquire into the State of the Country.” This is a report based on the findings of that expedition. It has an authentic tone and is certainly more interesting to a modern reader than many of the other glowing but frequently misleading reports. After a hasty review of the history of Carolina, Ash enters upon a descriptive report of the natural products of the country and of the cultivated plants, of the wild animals and the domesticated stock. His report on the ‘possum and the hummingbird, neither of which was familiar to Englishmen, is delightful while his description of fireflies is particularly good. In many respects Ash’s report rivals the later accounts of John Lawson for frankness and appeal.

Of Indian corn he writes, “At Carolina they have lately invented a way of makeing with it good sound Beer; but it’s strong and heady: By Maceration, when duly fermented, a strong Spirit like Brandy may be drawn off from it, by the help of an Alembick.”

1682 [23]

F[erguson], R[obert]

The/ Present State/ of/ Carolina/ with/ Advice to the Setlers./ [rule]/ By R. F./ [rule]/ [decorative device] / [rule]/ London,/ Printed by John Bringhurst, at the Sign of the/ Book in Grace-Church-Street, 1682./

18 x 14 cm. 36 p. CSmH DLC MiU-C NHi NN RPJCB

Ferguson, a friend of Shaftesbury and author of several religious and political tracts, writes in part from “my own observation” and in part from information “from very good hands.” A reference to Captain Dunbar of the “Richmond” suggests that he may have drawn on much the same source for his information as did Thomas Ash, whose book also appeared the same year. Ferguson gives us a report on the Indians of Carolina, including some population estimates and a comment on birth control among the natives. Some notes on the weather, fish, birds, livestock, and servants complete the main body of his report. A reference to Negro slaves is perhaps the earliest mention of that class of people in Carolina. In conclusion, the prospective settler is invited to visit the Carolina Coffeehouse in Birching Lane, London, for further information. The final nine pages take the form of an open letter of “Advice to Carolina” admonishing the settlers, among other things, to act in all matters like Christian gentlemen; to realize that there is “no distinction betwixt those ... native Subjects born in England; and those implanted and born in America”; and to work for “the good and happy issues of Prosperity to the Settlement.”

Following the text is an “Advertisement” stating that Nathan Sumers [sic] “Engineer for Carolina,” will clear ground for cultivation at a set charge per tree.¹⁸ The Lords Proprietors had entered into an agreement with Sumers [sic] it was reported, to give him and his heirs a 14-year monopoly in this undertaking since he would use an engine which he had invented.

1682 [24]

[Decorative device]/ The/ Fundamental Constitutions/ of/ Carolina./ Our Soveraign Lord the/ King having out of His Royal Grace and /....

26.2 x 16 cm. 23 p. CSmH MH NN

No title page.

This version of the Fundamental Constitutions has 120 sections and is dated January 12, 1681 [i.e., 1682]. See publication number 10, above.

The New York Public Library copy has manuscript notes interleaved as well as additions, deletions, and corrections on the printed pages believed to be in John Locke’s hand.

1682 [25]

Somers, Nathan

Proposals/ for/ Clearing Land/ in/ Carolina, [vertical line] East Jersey,/ Pensilvania, [vertical line, cont’d] West Jersey:/Or any other Parts of/ America.... Nathan Somers,/ And Partners./ [rule] / London, Printed and Sold by John Bringhurst, at the Book in Grace-Church-Street, August, 9. 1682./

Broadside. CSmH DFo NNUT-Mc

Somers and his partners offer “to raise Trees up by the Roots quite out of the Earth, and throw them down near the place where they grew” and to “carry the fallen Trees, and lay them in order round the intended Inclosure... as an indifferent Boundary for Cattle; and carry the Remainder into convenient heaps within the said Inclosure. “Those supplying Somers with laborers to assist in the work could have his services at half price.

1682 [26]

A true/ Description/ of/ Carolina./ Carolina is part of the Main in America, and so much celebrated by Monsieur/ Laudonere, that he entitles it Florida, because of her florid and fragrant/ ..../ London, Printed for Joel Gascoine at the Plat near Wapping old Stairs, and R [page trimmed]/¹⁹ at the Rose and Crown in Budg-Row./ [1682]

18.7 x 15 cm. [4] p. Imprint on p. 4. RPJCB

No title page.

The chief value of this little work is its map. It records much detail along the coast from Cape Henry in Virginia southward to below St. Augustine and has been described as “the most accurate representation of the Carolina region yet to appear.”²⁰ The interior, of course, is much less accurate, but a few Indian settlements are identified westward to the “Apalatian Mountaines.”

The four pages of text accompanying the map are largely a verbatim reprint of portions of The Present State of Carolina with Advice to the Setlers by R. F. It contains nothing not in that volume. In some instances the first few words in a paragraph have been changed slightly or omitted altogether, or whole sentences or more deleted. In the case of the reference to Captain Dunbar and the “Richmond,” the complete paragraph is omitted.

Apparently A True Description of Carolina was set in type by a careless composer working directly from The Present State of Carolina. A comparison of the two texts reveals carelessly omitted words or sentences; a divided word in the latter appears with the wrong ending picked up by the typesetter’s roving eye a line or two down. This suggests that the work was done hastily. Perhaps the map had just become available, and the work was rushed to press to supersede the information given in Samuel Wilson’s An Account of the Province of Carolina in America.

An “Advertisement” for Nathan Sumers’ [sic] engine, designed for clearing land, appears at the end of the text and above the imprint.

1682 [27]

[Wilson, Samuel]

An/ Account/ of the/ Province/ of/ Carolina/ in/ America./ Together with/ An Abstract of the Patent,/ and several other Necessary and Useful Par-/ ticulars, to such as have thoughts of Tran-/ sporting themselves thither./ Published for their Information./ [rule]/ London:/ Printed by G. Larkin for Francis Smith, at the Elephant/ and Castle in Cornhil. 1682./

20.5 x 15 cm. 27 p. CSmH CtY DLC ICN MB MH MiU-C MWiW-C NcU NHi NN PHi PPL RPJCB ScU²¹

The dedication of this volume is to the Right Honorable William Earl of Craven “and the rest of the true and absolute Lords and Proprieters [sic] of the Province of Carolina.” Wilson, “Secretary in your Carolina-Affairs now four years,” states that he undertook to prepare this account because he had discovered that people intending to go to America knew nothing of Carolina. “I have most strictly kept to the Rules of Truth,” he declared, “there not being any thing that I have written in Commendation of [the] Province, which I cannot prove by Letters from thence now in my possession, and by Living Witnesses now in England.”

The northern settlement in Albemarle is passed over with just a few lines to point that it has all the good qualities of Virginia “only exceeding it in Health, Fertility, and Mildness of the Winter.” The Ashley River colony is discussed at some length, its history reviewed, and the products of the land carefully set forth. Wilson pointed out that “an Ox is raised at almost as little expence in Carolina, as a Hen is in England.” A catalog of the produce of the country was intended to tempt those who had even the slightest thought of venturing themselves to the New World.

Finally, Wilson recorded that “some of the Lords Proprietors, or my self, will be every Tuesday at 11 of the clock at the Carolina-Coffeehouse in Burching-Lane near the Royal Exchange, to inform all people what Ships are going, or any other thing whatsoever.”

The final seven pages are devoted to “An Abstract of the Pattent granted by the King, the 30th of June, in the 17th Year of his Reign” to the eight Lords Proprietors.

The map illustrating Wilson’s work is the Ogilby-Moxon “First Lords Proprietors’ Map” of 1672.²² Since the second Lords Proprietors’ map appeared in 1682 it is likely that Wilson’s work was published quite early in 1682 before the new map became available.

1683 [28]

[Crafford, John]

A New and Most/ Exact Account/ Of the Fertiles [sic] and Famous Colony of/ Carolina/ (On the Continent of America,)/ Whose Latitude is from 36 Deg. of North Latitude, to 29 Deg./ Together with a/ Maritine [sic] Account of its Rivers, Barrs, Soundings and Harbours;/ also of the Natives, their Religion, Traffick and Commodities./ Likewise the Advantages accrewing to all Adventurers by the Cu-/ stoms of the Countrey; Being the most Healthful and Fertile/ of His Majesties Territories on the said Continent of/ America./ As also an Account of the Islands of Bermudas, the Harbours, Situa-/ tion, People, Commodities, &c. belonging to the said Islands;/ the whole being a Compendious Account of a Voyage made (by/ an Ingenious Person) for a full discovery of the above said places./ Begun in Ocotber 82, and finished this present year, 1683./ [rule]/ Dublin,/ Printed for Nathan Tarrant at the Kings-Arms in Corn-Market,/ 1683.

Crafford’s name is added in manuscript and his authorship is further borne out by comments in Carolina Described more fully then heretofore, publication number 29 below.

This “Compendium of a Journall from the River of Clyd in the Kingdom of Scotland, to Port-Royal in Carolina” was “Taken by John Crafford, who was Supercargo of the goodShip [sic] the James of Erwin burthen about 50 Tuns.” The subtitle identifies the work as “a Maritine Account of its Rivers, Barrs, Soundings and Harbours” and so on. With this expressed interest it is not surprising to find that Crafford made some interesting observations on the possibilities of trade between Bermuda and Carolina. His ship visited Charles Town in Carolina, and he took advantage of the opportunity to examine and report on the products of the land and to comment on the Indians. His remarks in most instances differ very little from those previously made by other observers. He did note that Indian corn “by some is Called Turkey wheat.” As to the religion of the Indians, he said, “I judge they are Pagans, but some judge them to be of the Captive Isralites, by their faces, Colour of Hayr, worshiping the new Moon, and some other Ceremonies resembling it.”

1684 [29]

Carolina/ Described more fully then heretofore:/ Being an Impartial/ collection/ Made from the several Relations of that Place in/ Print, since its first planting (by the English,) and/ before, under the Denomination of Florida, From/ diverse Letters from those that have Transpor-/ ted themselves (From the Kingdom of Ireland.)/ And the Relations of those that have been in/ that Country several years together./ [rule]/ Whereunto is added the Charter, with the, Fundamental Constitutions/ of that Province./ [rule]/ With Sundry necessary observations made thereon; use-/ full to all that have a Disposition to Transport them-/ selves to that Place; with the Account of what Ship-/ ing bound Thither from this Kingdom, this present/ Summer. 1684./ And the Charges of Transporting of Persons and Goods./ [rule]/ Dublin, Printed 1684./

19.6 x 14.6 cm. 56 p. CSmH MWiW-C NN

In an ingenious fashion the writer of this piece questions some of the statements made by earlier writers about Carolina. It could not possibly be the wonderful place it was claimed to be. By frankly doubting the reliability of Samuel Wilson’s An Account of the Province of Carolina in America because the author was secretary to the Lords Proprietors, the writer must have disarmed many prospective colonists. He cites John Crauford [sic] and his journal which was kept on a voyage from Scotland to Port Royal in October, 1682, reporting that a copy had come to him through a mutual friend. This journal, as well as letters from people in Carolina, bore out what Wilson had written so one is led to believe that Wilson was right after all. Pages 17 to 27, therefore, contain a careful reprint of Wilson’s text, and his abstract of the patent to the Proprietors is copied even to the word “Finis” which actually is out of place here. There also is a summary of the Fundamental Constitutions for those who have not the time or inclination to peruse the whole 120 sections which are printed on pages 35 to 36. A note dated June 6, 1684, lists vessels scheduled to sail for Carolina “towards the latter end of June” from Dublin, Cork, Londonderry, Limerick, and Belfast.

1684 [30]

Gibson, Walter

Proposals./ By Walter Gibson, Merchant in Glasgow, to such/ persons as are desirous to Transport themselves to Ame-/ rica, in a Ship belonging to him, bound for the Bermu-/ das, Carolina, New-Providence, and the Caribby-/ Islands, and ready to set Sail out of the River of Clyd,/ against the 20. of February in this instant year, 1684./ .../

Broadside. CSmH CtY DFo IU MH NNUT-Mc NjPT

Merchant Gibson advertises that he will transport adults at £5 each, children between two and fourteen years for 50 shillings each, and children under two at no charge. Tradesmen unable to pay their own fare will be transported at Gibson’s expense provided they will serve him for three years, he to “furnish them sufficiently with Meat, Cloaths, and other necessaries.” He offers to advise prospective settlers on questions which they might have and announces that he has on hand in Glasgow “Patterns of some Tools which are used” in Carolina. “Those who go in this Vessel,” he notes, “will have the occasion of the good company of several sober, discreet Persons, who intend to settle in Carolina, will dwell with them, and be ready to give good advice, and assistance to them in their choice of the Plantations; whose Society will be very helpful and comfortable, especially at their first setling there.”²³

1685 [31]

[Crouch, Nathaniel]²⁴

The English/ Empire/ in/ America:/ Or a Prospect of His Majesties Dominions/ in the West Indies. Namely,/ Newfoundland/ New-England/ New-York/ Pennsylvania/ New-Jersey/ Maryland/ Virginia/ Carolina/ Bermuda’s/ Barbuda/ Anguilla/ Montserrat/ Dominica/ St. Vincent/ Antego/ Mevis, or/ Nevis/ S. Christophers/ Barbadoes/ Jamaica/ With an account of the Discovery, Scituation,/ Product, and other Excellencies of these Countries./ To which is prefixed a Relation of the first Discovery/ of the New World called America, by the Spaniards./ And of the Remarkable Voyages of several English-/ men to divers places therein./ [rule]/ Illustrated with Maps and Pictures./ [rule]/ By R. B. Author of Englands Monarchs, &c. Admirable/ Curiosities in England &c. Historical Remarks of Lon-/ don, &c. The Late Wars in England, &c. And, the/ History of Scotland and Ireland./ [rule]/ London, Printed for Nath. Crouch. At the Bell in/ the Poultrey near Cheapside. 1685./

Other editions appeared in 1692, 1698, and in the eighteenth century.

Chapter X, “A Prospect of Carolina with the Scituation and Product thereof,” on pages 137 to 153, briefly recites the facts of the 1663 charter of Carolina and hastily dismisses the Albemarle colony as “bordering upon Virginia, and only exceeding it in Health, Fertility, and Mildness of the Winter.” As Albemarle is “much of the same nature with it [Virginia],” the reader is not troubled with a further description. These words, Crouch neglected to say, were Samuel Wilson’s.

The Ashley River settlement is reported upon by “an Englishman, who has lived there, and was concerned in the settlement thereof.” Here is perhaps the most accurate account yet given of Carolina winters with no attempt to make the region seem semi-tropical. The difference in winter temperatures in this area and those in the same latitude in Europe is commented upon. Flora and fauna, both wild and domesticated, also seem to be more correctly described than usual.

Many of the planters “have an Indian Hunter which they hire for less than twenty Shillings a year, and one Hunter will very well find a Family of thirty People with as much Vinison and Fowl, as they can well eat.”

Steps by which land grants might be obtained are carefully explained, and the recommended equipment and supplies are specified.

The final few pages are drawn from the account of “Mr. I. L., an Englishman”—John Lederer, no doubt—who had traveled “into the western parts of Carolina” some 14 years previously.

1685 [32]

Nouvelle/ Relation/ de la/ Caroline/ par/ un Gentil-homme François arrivé,/ depuis deux mois, de ce nou-/ veau pais./ Où il parle de la route qu’il faut tenir,/ pour y aller le plus furement, &/ de l’état où il a trouve cette/ Nouvelle contrée./ [globe]/ A La Haye./ [rule]/ Chez Meyndert Uytweft/ Marchand Libraire de Meurant/ dans le Gortstraet./ [1685]

Apparently designed as a guide for French Protestants who might be interested in coming to Carolina, this book contains many of the typical promotional statements on the good climate and weather, two crops in one season, and good land available at low cost. Geography, the produce of the land, animals (wild as well as domesticated), and the form of government all are described at some length. In so far as it is specific, the information relates to Charleston and vicinity.

Publication at The Hague probably was necessary because of the persecution of Protestants in France. It was in this year that the Edict of Nantes was revoked and thousands of French Huguenots fled the country.

1686 [33]

Plan pour former un Establisse-/ ment en Caroline./ A vant que d’entrer dans l’ examen particulier de ce/ project, il faut faire quelques considerations, .../ A La Haye./ Chez Meindert Uytwerf, Marchand/ Librarie dans l’Acterum. l’An 1686./

A brief statement concerning the geography of Carolina is followed by a rather full explanation of the government as set up under the Fundamental Constitutions. With the approval of the Lords Proprietors, it was proposed to establish a “Confederation” in Carolina. A series of 12 points concerning the plans are explained. Such things as the number of persons expected to join; “les graces & privileges que l’on demandera” of the Lords Proprietors; size of the tracts of land to be occupied; the use of Negroes for labor; the “Artisans absoulment necessaires”—including metal workers, carpenters, brickmasons, a tailor, a doctor, “Une sage femme entendue aux accouchemens,” butchers, bakers, and so on; produce expected—grain, grapes for wine, cattle; and finally in the list under the heading “Quelles doivent estra les conditions de la confederation & la forme que l’on y peut donner,” is an “Acte de Confederation" consisting of 31 subsections setting forth the rights and obligations of the Confederation on one hand and the “Seigneurs Proprietaires” on the other. A list of 29 “Conventions de la Communauté” contains details for the conduct of routine affairs of the settlement.

Those desiring further information are directed to address “Monsieur _____________” (name intended to be supplied in manuscript) in London, another in Amsterdam, and a third in Rotterdam.

[1686?] [34]

[Remarques sur la Nouvelle Relation de la Caroline, par un Gentilhomme Francois.—MDCLXXXVI.]

“A thin duedecimo brochure.” No copy known.

A translation of this pamphlet appears in the September, 1842, issue of The Magnolia; or, Southern Apalachian (New Series, Vol. I, No. 3, pages 226-229), published in Charleston, S.C. The contributor of the translation is not identified, but in his prefatory remarks he states that this brochure came to his attention while he was “looking over some old pamphlets and manuscripts.”

According to the translation the pamphlet was an almost page-by-page attack on the Nouvelle Relation de la Caroline par Un Gentilhomme François published at The Hague probably the year before. Following this attack there was a section entitled “Some Remarks on the Country, People and Government of Carolina” in which the author launched out on his own in criticizing Carolina, particularly its location near Spanish settlements and its form of government. Earlier, to substantiate his own statements the author tells that he had been intimately acquainted with “a gentleman who was one of its [Carolina’s] former governors.” Since this thin volume was unfavorable to Carolina and would therefore tend to discourage French Huguenot migration, it may very well have been printed in France as an antidote to the volume which it attacked.

1687 [35]

[Blome, Richard]

The/ Present State/ of His Majesties/ Isles and Territories/ in America,/ Viz./ Jamaica, Barbadoes, Anguilla, Bermudas,/ S. Christophers, Nevis, Carolina, Virginia,/ Antego, S. Vincent, New-England, Tobago/ Dominica, New-Jersey, New-Found-Land,/ Pensilvania, Monserat, Mary-Land, New-York; With New Maps of every Place./ Together with/ Astronomical Tables,/ Which will serve as a constant Diary or Calendar,/ for the use of the English Inhabitants in those/ Islands; from the Year 1686, to 1700./ Also a Table by which, at any time of the Day or Night here in/ England, you may know what Hour it is in any of those parts./ And how to make Sun-Dials fitting for all those places./ [rule]/ Licens’d, July 20. 1686. Roger L’Estrange./ [rule]/ London:/ Printed by H. Clark, for Dorman Newman, at the/Kings-Arms in the Poultrey, 1687./

11.5 x 18.5 cm. [8], 262, [36] p. DLC ICN ICU MB MBAt MH MnU NcU OCl PHi PBL PPL ViU ViW WHi

“A Description of Carolina” is on pages 150 to 182. Illustrating the account is “A New Map of Carolina By Robt Morden.” The text for the most part is copied directly from Samuel Wilson’s An Account of the Province of Carolina in America. Occasionally words or phrases have been changed, the order of a few paragraphs has been altered, and a little of Wilson’s account omitted entirely. A concluding report on “Creatures” and on Indians is attributed to an unidentified “Gentleman”—actually John Lederer—who had also been credited for information previously reported. The text of the 1665 charter of Carolina to the Lords Proprietors is included in this report following the text of the “Description.”

1695 [36]

[Peachie, John]

Some/ Observations/ Made upon the Herb/ Cassiny;/ Imported from Carolina:/ Shewing/ Its Admirable Virtues in curing/ the Small Pox./ [broken rule]/ Written by a Physitian in the Countrey to/ Esq; Boyle at London./ [broken rule]/ London,/ Printed in the Year 1695./

19 x 13 cm. 8 p. CSmH DNLM

John Peachie or Pechey, to whom this and similar works has been ascribed, was a London physician and apothecary. He describes here some of his experiences with the “Famous Carolina Herb called Cassiny.” For his smallpox patients he prescribed “a few Drops of the Tincture of this temperate Herb in Water-gruel, or in Panado, or Posset-drink.” In one instance he treated “several young Gentlewomen” at a boarding school “who highly valued their Beauty,” with Cassiny, and he knew of “a Court Lady of great Beauty” who was given the same herb. All recovered without a blemish to mar their beauty.

The Cassiny which the London physician praised so highly is Ilex Cassine, better known in North Carolina as yaupon.

1698 [37]

The Two/ Charters/ Granted by/ King Charles IId./ To the/ Proprietors/ of/ Carolina./ With the first and last/ Fundamfntal [sic] Constitutions/ of that/ Colony./ [rule]/ London:/ Printed, and are to be Sold by Richard Parker, at the/ Unicorn, under the Piazza of the Royal Exchange./

22 x 16.7 cm. 60 p. CSmH DLC MH MWiW-C NcD-L NcU NN NNC PPL

The final version of the Fundamental Constitutions dated April 11, 1698, appears on pages 53 to 60, and is made up of 41 sections. The March 1, 1670, version consisting of 120 sections is on pages 33 to 52. It is this latter version which was officially promulgated and sent to Carolina, hence its description as “the First...” on the title page.

The date 1698 is not assigned without reservation. That date is given because it is the latest date recorded in the text. Most copies have an additional eight pages, separately numbered, bound in following page 60. These pages contain “The Copy of an Act lately pass’d in Carolina, and sent over to be confirm’d here by the Lord Granville, Palatine, and the rest of the Lords Proprietors of the said Colony....” The act is dated May 6, 1704, but it bears evidence of having been separately printed and merely bound in at the end of the preceding work.

The copy of this book in the North Carolina Collection at the University of North Carolina was formerly owned by Lord Craven and was acquired by the late Bruce Cotten from Combe Abbey in 1924. It bears the bookplate of William Lord Craven.

Footnotes