Second Virginia Charter

May 23, 1609

James, by the grace of God [King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, defender of the faith, etc.] To all [to whom these presents shall come, greeting.]

          Whereas, at the humble suite and request of sondrie oure lovinge and well disposed subjects intendinge to deduce a colonie and to make habitacion and plantacion of sondrie of oure people in that parte of America comonlie called Virginia, and other part and territories in America either apperteyninge unto us or which are not actually possessed of anie Christian prince or people within certaine bound and regions, wee have formerly, by oure lettres patents bearinge date the tenth of Aprill in the fourth yeare of oure raigne of England, Fraunce, and Ireland, and the nine and thirtieth of Scotland, graunted to Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George Somers and others, for the more speedie accomplishment of the said plantacion and habitacion, that they shoulde devide themselves into twoe colloniesthe one consistinge of divers Knights, gentlemen, merchaunts and others of our cittie of London, called the First Collonie; and the other of sondrie Knights, gentlemen and others of the citties of Bristoll, Exeter, the towne of Plymouth, and other places, called the Seccond Collonieand have yielded and graunted maine and sondrie priviledges and liberties to each Collonie for their quiet setlinge and good government therein, as by the said lettres patents more at large appeareth.

          Nowe, forasmuch as divers and sondrie of oure lovinge subjects, as well adventurers as planters, of the said First Collonie (which have alreadie engaged them selves in furtheringe the businesse of the said plantacion and doe further intende by the assistance of Almightie God to prosecute the same to a happie ende) have of late ben humble suiters unto us that, in respect of their great chardeges and the adventure of manie of their lives which they have hazarded in the said discoverie and plantacion of the said countrie, wee woulde be pleased to graunt them a further enlargement and explanacion of the said graunte, priviledge and liberties, and that suche counsellors and other officers maie be appointed amonngest them to manage and direct their affaires [as] are willinge and readie to adventure with them; as also whose dwellings are not so farr remote from the cittye of London but that they maie at convenient tymes be readie at hande to give advice and assistance upon all occacions requisite.

          We, greatlie affectinge the effectual prosecucion and happie successe of the said plantacion and comendinge their good desires theirin, for their further encouragement in accomplishinge so excellent a worke, much pleasinge to God and profitable to oure Kingdomes, doe, of oure speciall grace and certeine knowledge and meere motion, for us, oure heires and successors, give, graunt and confirme to oure trustie and welbeloved subjects,

Robert, Earle of Salisburie

Thomas, Earle of Suffolke

Henrie, Earle of Southampton

William. Earle of Pembroke

Henrie Earle of Lincolne

Henrie, Earle of Dorsett

Thomas, Earle of Exeter

Phillipp, Earle of Mountgommery

Robert, Lord Vicount Lisle

Theophilus, Lord Howard of Walden

James Mountague, Lord Bishopp of Bathe and Wells

Edward, Lord Zouche

Thomas, Lord Lawarr

Wiliam, Lord Mounteagle

Raphe, Lord Ewre

Edmond, Lord Sheffeild

Grey, Lord Shandis

[Grey], Lord Compton

John, Lord Petre

John, Lord Stanhope

George, Lord Carew

Sir Humfrey Welde, Lord Mayor of London

George Pertie, Esquire

Sir Edward Cecill, Knight

Sir George Wharton, Knight

Frauncis West, Esquire

Sir William Waade, Knight

Sir Henrie Nevill, Knight

Sir Thomas Smithe, Knight

Sir Oliver Cromwell, Knight

Sir Peter Manwood, Knight

Sir Dru Drurie, Knight

Sir John Scott, KnighT

Sir Thomas Challouer, Knight

Sir Robert Drurie, Knight

Sir Anthonye Cope, Knight

Sir Horatio Veere, Knight

Sir Edward Conwaie, Knight

Sir William Browne

Sir Maurice Barkeley, Knight

Sir Roberte Maunsell, Knight

Sir Amias Presou (Preston), Knight

Sir Thomas Gates, Knight

Sir Anthonie Ashley, Knight

Sir Michaell Sandes, Knight

Sir Henrie Carew, Knight

Sir Stephen Soame, Knight

Sir Calisthenes Brooke, Knight

Sir Edward Michelborne, Knight

Sir John Racliffe, Knight

Sir Charles Willmott, Knight

Sir George Moore, Knight

Sir Hugh Wirrall, Knight

Sir Thomas Dennys, Knight

Sir John Hollis, Knight

Sir William Godolphin, Knight

Sir Thomas Monnson, Knight

Sir Thomas Ridgwaie, Knight

Sir John Brooke, Knight

Sir Roberte Killigrew, Knight

Sir Henrie Peyton, Knight

Sir Richard Williamson, Knight

Sir Ferdinando Weynman, Knight

Sir William St. John, Knight

Sir Thomas Holcrofte, Knight

Sir John Mallory, Knight

Sir Roger Ashton, Knight

Sir Walter Cope, Knight

Sir Richard Wigmore, Knight

Sir William Cooke, Knight

Sir Herberte Crofte, Knight

Sir Henrie Faushawe, Knight

Sir John Smith, Knight

Sir Francis Wolley, Knight

Sir Edward Waterhouse, Knight

Sir Henrie Sekeford, Knight

Sir Edward Saudes, Knights

Sir Thomas Wayneman, Knight

Sir John Trevor, Knight

Sir Warrwick Heale, Knight

Sir Robert Wroth, Knight

Sir John Townnesende, Knight

Sir Christopher Perkins, Knight

Sir Daniell Dun, Knight

Sir Henrie Hobarte, Knight

Sir Franncis Bacon, Knight

Sir Henrie Mountague, Knight

Sir Georg Coppin, Knight

Sir Samuell Sandes, Knight

Sir Thomas Roe, Knight

Sir George Somers, Knight

Sir Thomas Freake, Knight

Sir Thomas Horwell, Knight

Sir Charles Kelke, Knight

Sir Baptist Hucks, Knight

Sir John Watts, Knight

Sir Roberte Carey, Knight

Sir William Romney, Knight

Sir Thomas Middleton, Knight

Sir Hatton Cheeke, Knight

Sir John Ogle, Knighte

Sir Cavallero Meycot, Knight

Sir Stephen Riddlesden, Knight

Sir Thomas Bludder, Knight

Sir Anthonie Aucher, Knight

Sir Robert Johnson, Knight

Sir Thomas Panton, Knight

Sir Charles Morgan, Knight

Sir Stephen Powle(P0le), Knight

Sir John Burlacie, Knight

Sir Christofer Cleane (Cleave), Knight

Sir George Hayward, Knight

Sir Thomas Dane(Davis), Knight

Sir Thomas Dutton (Sutton), Knight

Sir Anthonie Forrest, Knight

Sir Robert Payne, Knight

Sir John Digby, Knight

Sir Dudley Diggs, Knight

Sir Rowland Cotton, Knight

Doctour Mathewe Rutcliffe (Sutcliffe)

Doctor Meddowes

Doctor Tumer

Doctor Poe

Captaine Pagnam

Captaine Jeffrey Holcrofte

Captaine Raunne (Romney)

Captaine Henrie Spry

Captaine Shelpton (Shelton)

Captaine Spark

[Captain] Thomas Wyatt

Captaine Brinsley

Captaine William Courtney

Captaine Herbert

Captaine Clarke

Captaine Dewhurst

Captaine John Blundell

Captaine Frier

Captaine Lewis Orwell

Captaine Edward Lloyd

Captaine Slingesby

Captaine Huntley (Hawley)

Captaine Orme

Captaine Woodhouse

Captaine Mason

Captaine Thomas Holcroft

Captaine John Cooke

Captaine Hollis

Captaine William Proude

Captaine Henrie Woodhouse

Captaine Richard Lindeley

Captaine Dexter

Captaine William Winter

Captaine Herle Pearsel

Captain John Bingham

Captaine Burray

Captaine Thomas Conwey

Captaine Rookwood

Captaine William Lovelace

Captaine John Ashley

Captaine Thomas Wynne

Captaine Thomas Mewtis

Captaine Edward Harwood

Captaine Michaell Evered

Captaine Connoth (Comock)

Captaine Miles (Mills)

Captaine Pigott

Captaine Edward Maria Wingfeild

Captaine ChristopherNewporte

Captaine John Siclemore, alias Ratcliffe

Captaine John Smith

Captaine John Martyn

Captaine Peter Wynne

Captaine Waldoe

Captaine Thomas Wood

Captaine Thomas Button

George Bolls, Esquire, Sheriffe of London

William Crashawe, clerk, Bachelor of Divinite

William Seabright, Esquire

Christopher Brook, Esquire

John Bingley, Esquire

Thomas Watson, Esquire

Richard Percivall, Esquire

John Moore, Esquire

Hugh Brooker, Esquire

David Waterhouse, Esquire

Anthonie Auther, Esquier

Roberte Bowyer, Esquire

Raphe Ewens, Esquire

Zacharie Jones, Esquire

George Calvert, Esquire

William Dobson, Esquire

Henry Reynold, Esquire

Thomas Walker, Esquire

Anthonie Barnars, Esquire

Thomas Sandes, Esquire

Henrie Sand, Esquire

Richard Sand , sonne of Sir Edwin Sandes

William Oxenbridge, Esquire

John Moore, Esquire

Thomas Wilson, Esquire

John Bullocke, Esquire

John Waller, Esquire

Thomas Webb

Jehughe Robinson

William Brewster

Robert Evelyn

Henrie Dabenie

Richard Hacklewte, minister

John Eldred, marchaunt

William Russell, marchaunt

John Merrick, marchaunt

Richard Bannester, merchant

Charles Anthonie, goldsmithe

John Banck

William Evans

Richard Humble

Robert Chamberleyne, marchaunt

Thomas Barber, marchaunt

Richard Pevyrell, merchaunt

John Fletcher, merchant

Thomas Nicholls, merchant

John Stoak, merchaunt

Gabriell Archer

Franncis Covell

William Bouham

Edward Harrison

John Wolstenholme

Nicholas Salter

Hugh Evans

William Barners

Otho Mawdett

Richard Staper, marchant

John Elkin, marchaunt

William Cayse

Thomas Perkin, cooper

Humfrey Ramell, cooper

Henry Jackson

Roberte Shingleton

Christopher Nicholls

John Harper

Abraham Chamberlaine

Thomas Shipton

Thomas Carpenter

Anthoine Crewe

George Holman

Robert Hill

Cleophas Smithe

Raphe Harrison

John Farmer

James Brearley

William Crosley

Richard Cocks

John Gearinge

Richard Strough, iremonnger

Thomas Langton

Griffith Hinton

Richard Ironside

Richard Deane

Richard Turner

William Leveson, mercer

James Chatfeilde

Edward Allen

Tedder Roberts

Heldebrand Sprinson

Arthur Mouse

John Gardener

James Russell

Richard Casewell

Richard Evanns

John Hawkins

Richard Kerrill

Richard Brooke

Mathewe Scrivener, gentleman

William Stallendge, gentleman

Arthure Venn, gentleman

Saund Webb, gentleman

Michaell Phettiplace, gentleman

William Phetiplace, gentleman

Ambrose Brusey, gentleman

John Taverner, gentleman

George Pretty, gentleman

Peter Latham, gentleman

Thomas Monnford, gentleman

William Cautrell, gentleman

Richard Wiffine, gentleman

Raphe Mooreton, gentleman

John Cornellis

Martyn Freeman

Raphe Freeman

Andreau Moore

Thomas White

Edward Perkin

Robert Osey

Thomas Whitley

George Pitt

Roberte Parkehurste

Thomas Morris

Peter Vaulore

Jeffrey Duppa

John Gilbert

William Hancock

Mathew Bromrigg

Francis Tirrell

Randall Carter

Othowell Smithe

Thomas Honnyman (Hammond)

Marten Bonde, haberdasher

Joan Mousloe

Roberte Johnson

William Younge

John Woddall

William Felgat

Humfrey Westwood

Richard Champion

Henrie Robinson

Franncis Mapes

William Sambatch

Rauley Crashawe

DaruelLliacker

Thomas Grave

Hugh Willestone

Thomas Culpepper, of Wigsell, Esquire

John Culpepper, gentleman

Henrie Lee

Josias Kirton, gentleman

John Porie, gentleman

Henrie Collins

George Burton

William Atkinson

Thomas Forrest

John Russell

John Houlte

Harman Harrison

Gabriell Beedell

John Beedell

Henrie Dankes

George Scott

Edward Fleetewood, gentleman

Richard Rogers, gentleman

Arthure Robinson

Robert Robinson

John Huntley

John Grey

William Payne

William Feilde

William Wattey

William Webster

John Dingley

Thomas Draper

Richard Glanvile

Arnolde Lulls

Henrie Rowe

William Moore

Nicholas Grice

James Monnger

Nicholas Andrewes

Jerome Haydon, iremonnger

Phillipp Durrant

John Quales

John West

Madlew Springeham

John Johnson

Christopher Hore

George Barkeley

Thomas Sued (Snead)

George Barkeley

Ardhure Pett

Thomas Careles

William Barkley

Thomas Johnson

Alexander Bent

Captaine William Kinge

George Sandes, gentleman

James White, gentleman

Edmond Wynn

Charles Towler

Richard Reynold

Edward Webb

Richard Maplesden

Thomas Levers

David Bourne

Thomas Wood

Raphe Hamer

Edward Barnes, mercer

John Wright, mercer

Robert Middleton

Edward Litsfeild

Katherine West

Thomas Webb

Raphe Kinge

Roberte Coppine

James Askewe

Christopher Nicholls

William Bardwell

Alexander Childe

Lewes Tate

Edward Ditchfeilde

James Swifte

Richard Widdowes, goldesmith

Edmonde Brundells

John Hanford

Edward Wooller

William Palmer, haberdasher

John Badger

John Hodgson

Peter Monnsill

Jahn Carrill

John Busbridge

William Dunn

Thomas Johnson

Nicholas Benson

Thomas Shipton

Nathaniell Wade

Randoll Wettwood

Mathew Dequester

Charles Hawkins

Hugh Hamersley

Abraham Cartwright

George Bennett

William Cattor

Richard Goddart

Henrie Cromwell

Phinees Pett

Roberte Cooper

Henrie Neite

Edward Wilks

Roberte Bateman

Nicholas Farrar

John Newhouse

John Cason

Thomas Harris, gentleman

George Etheridge, gentleman

Thomas Mayle, gentleman

Richard Stratford

Thomas

Richard Cooper

John Westrowe

Edward Welshe

Thomas Brittanie

Thomas Knowls

Octavian Thome

Edmonde Smyth

John March

Edward Carew

Thomas Pleydall

Richard Lea

Miles Palmer

Henrie Price

John Josua, gentleman

William Clawday

Jerome Pearsye

John Bree, gentleman

William Hampson

Christopher Pickford

Thomas Hunt

Thomas Truston

Christopher Lanman

John Haward, clerke

Richarde Partridge

Allen Cotton

Felix Wilson

Thomas Colethurst

George Wilmer

Andrew Wilmer

Morrice Lewellin

Thomas Jedwin

Peter Burgoyne

Thomas Burgoyne

Roberte Burgoyne

Roberte Smithe, merchauntaylor

Edward Cage, grocer

Thomas Canon, gentleman

William Welby, stacioner

Clement Wilmer, gentleman

John Clapham, gentleman

Giles Fraunces, gentleman

George Walker, sadler

John Swinehowe, stacioner

Edward Bushoppe, stacioner

Leonard White, gentleman

Christopher Barron

Peter Benson

Richard Smyth

George Prockter, minister

Millicent Ramesden, widowe

Joseph Soane

Thomas Hinshawe

John Baker

Robert Thorneton

John Davies

Edward Facett [

George Nuce, gentleman

John Robinson

Captaine Thomas Wood

William Browne, shoemaker

Roberte Barker, shoemaker

Roberte Penington

Francis Burley, minister

William Quick, grocer

Edward Lewes, grocer

Laurence Campe, draper

Aden Perkins, grocer

Richard Shepparde, preacher

William Sheckley, haberdasher

William Tayler, haberdasher

Edward Lukyn, gentleman

John Francklyn, haberdasher

John Southicke (Southwick)

Peter Peate

George Johan, iremonnger

George Yardley, gentleman

Henrie Shelly

John Pratt

Thomas Church, draper

William Powell, gentleman

Richard Frithe, gentleman]

Thomas Wheeler, draper

Franncis Hasilerigg, gentleman

Hughe Shippley, gentleman

John Andrewes, the Elder, of Cambridge

John Vassall, gentleman

Richard Howle

Edward Barkeley, gentleman

Richard Knerisborough, gentleman

Nicholas Exton, draper

William Bennett, fishmonger

James Hawood, marchaunt

Nicholas Isaak, merchaunt

William Gibbs, merchannt

[William] Bushopp

Barnard Michell

Isaake Michell

John Streat

Edward Gall

John Marten, gentleman

Thomas Fox

Luke Lodge

John Woodleefe, gentleman

Rice Webb

Vincent Lowe

Samuell Burnam (Burnham)

Edmonde Pears, haberdasher

Josua Goudge

John St. John

Edwarde Vaughan

William Dunn

Thomas Alcock

John Andrewes, the younger, of Cambridge

Samuell Smithe

Thomas Jerrard

Thomas Whittingham

William Cannynge

Paule Caminge

Henrye Vincent

Thomas Ketley

James Skelton

James Montain ]

George Webb, gentleman

Josephe Newbroughesmith

Josias Mande

Raphe Haman, the younger

Edward Brewster, the sonne of William Brewster

Leonard Harwood, mercer

Phillipp Druerdent

William Carpenter

Tristram Hill

Roberte Cock, grocer

Laurence Grene, grocer

Daniell Winche, grocer

Humfrey Stile, grocer

Averie Dransfeild, grocer

Edwarde Hodges, grocer

Edward Beale, grocer

Raphe Busby, grocer

John Whittingham, grocer

John Hide, grocer

Mathew Shipperd, grocer

Thomas Allen, grocer

Richard Hooker, grocer

Laurence Munckas, grocer

John Tanner, grocer

Peter Gate, grocer

John Blunt, grocer

Roberte Berrisford, grocer

Thomas Wells, gentleman

John Ellis, grocer

Henrie Colthurst, grocer

John Cranage, grocer

Thomas Jenings, grocer

Edmond Peshall, grocer

Timothie Bathurst, grocer

Gyles Parslowe, grocer

Roberte Johnson, grocer

William Janson, vintener

Ezechiell Smith

Richard Murrettone

William Sharpe

Roberte Ritche

William Stannerd, inholder

John Stocken

William Strachey, gentleman

George Farmer, gentleman

Thomas Gypes, clothworker

Abraham Dawes, gentleman

Thomas Brockett, gentleman

George Bathe, fishmonger

John Dike, fishmonger

Henrie Spranger

Richard Farringdon

Chistopher Vertue, vintener

Thomas Baley, vintener

George Robins, vintener

Tobias Hinson, grocer

Urian Spencer

Clement Chachelley

John Searpe, gentleman

James Cambell, iremonnger

Christopher Clitherowe, iremonnger

Phillipp Jacobson

Peter Jacobson, of Andwarpe

William Barckley

Miles Banck, cutler

Peter Highley, grocer

Henrie John, gentleman

John Stoakley, merchauntailor

The companie of mercers

The companie of grocers

The companie of drapers

The company of fishmongers

The companie of gouldsmithes

The companie of skynners

The companie merchauntailors

The companie of haberdashers

The companie of salters

The companie of iremongers

The companie of vintners

The companie of clothworkers

The companie of dyers

The companie of bruers

The companie of lethersellers

The companie of pewterers

The companie of cutlers

The companie of whitebakers

The companie of waxchaundlers

The companie of tallowe chaundlers

The companie of armorers

The companie of girdlers

The companie of butchers

The companie of sadlers

The companie of carpenters

The companie of cordwayners

The companie of barbor chirurgions

The companie of painter stayners

The companie of curriers

The companie of masons

The companie of plumbers

The companie of inholders

The companie of founders

The companie of poulterers

The companie of cookes

The companie of coopers

The companie of tylers and bncklayers

The companie of bowyers

The companie of Retchers

The companie of blacksmithes

The companie of joyners

The companie of weavers

The companie of wollmen

The companie of wood monnvers

The companie of scrivenors

The companie of fruterers

The companie of plasterers

The companie of brownebakers

The companie of stacioners

The companie of imbroderers

The companie of upholsters

The companie of musicions

The companie of turners

The companie of baskettmakers

The companie of lasiers

John Levett, merchaunt

Thomas Nomicott, clothworker

Richard Venn, haberdasher

Thomas Scott, gentleman

Thomas Juxson, merchauntaylor

George Hankinson

Thomas Leeyer, gentleman

Mathew Cooper

Gorge Butler, gentleman

Thomas Lawson, gentleman

Edward Smith, haberdasher

Stephen Sparrowe

John Jones, merchaunt

John Reynold, brewer

Thomas Plummer, merchaunt

James Duppa, bruer

Rowland Coytemore

William Sotherne

Gorge Whittmoore, haberdasher

Anthonie Gosoulde, the younger

John Allen, fishemonger

John Kettlebye, gentleman

Symonde Yeomans, fishmonger

Richard Chene, gouldsmithe

Launcelot Davis, gentleman

John Hopkins, an alderman of Bristoll

George Hooker, gentlernan

    And to such and so manie as they doe or shall hereafter admitt to be joyned with them, in forme hereafter in theis presentes expressed, whether they goe in their persons to be planters there in the said plantacion, or whether they goe not, but doe adventure their monyes, goods or chattels, that they shalbe one bodie or communaltie perpetuall and shall have perpetual succession and one common seale to serve for the saide bodie or communaltie; and that they and their successors shalbe knowne, called and incorporated by the name of The Tresorer and Companie of Adventurers and Planters of the Citty of London for the Firste Collonie in Virginia.

          And that they and their successors shalbe from hensforth, forever enabled to take, acquire and purchase, by the name aforesaid (licens for the same from us, oure heires or successors first had and obtained) anie manner of lands, tenements and hereditaments, goods and chattels, within oure realme of England and dominion of Wales; and that they and their successors shalbe likewise enabled, by the name aforesaid, to pleade and to be impleaded before anie of oure judges or justices, in anie oure courts, and in anie accions or suits whatsoever.

          And wee doe also, of oure said speciall grace, certaine knowl- edge and mere mocion, give, grannte and confirme unto the said Tresorer and Companie, and their successors, under the reservacions, limittacions and declaracions hereafter expressed, all those lands, countries and territories scituat, lieinge and beinge in that place of America called Virginia, from the pointe of lande called Cape or Pointe Comfort all alonge the seacoste to the northward twoe hundred miles and from the said pointe of Cape Comfort all alonge the sea coast to the southward twoe hundred miles; and all that space and circuit of lande lieinge from the sea coaste of the precinct aforesaid upp unto the lande, throughoute, from sea to sea, west and northwest; and also all the island beinge within one hundred miles alonge the coaste of bothe seas of the precincte aforesaid; togeather with all the soiles, groundes, havens and portes, mynes, aswell royall mynes of golde and silver as other mineralls, pearles and precious stones, quarries, woods, rivers, waters, fishings, comodities, jurisdictions, royalties, priviledges, franchisies and preheminences within the said territorie and the precincts there of whatsoever; and thereto or there abouts, both by sea and lande, beinge or in anie sorte belonginge or appertayninge, and which wee by oure lettres patents maie or cann graunte; and in as ample manner and sorte as wee or anie oure noble progenitors have heretofore graunted to anie companie, bodie pollitique or corporate, or to anie adventurer or adventurers, undertaker or undertakers, of anie discoveries, plantacions or traffique of, in, or into anie forraine parts whatsoever; and in as large and ample manner as if the same were herin particulerly mentioned and expressed: to have, houlde, possesse and enjoye all and singuler the said landes, countries and territories with all and singuler other the premisses heretofore by theis [presents] graunted or mencioned to be grannted, to them, the said Tresorer and Companie, their successors and assignes, forever; to the sole and proper use of them, the said Tresorer and Companie, their successors and assignes [forever], to be holden of us, oure heires and successors, as of oure mannour of Estgreenewich, in free and common socage and not in capite; yeldinge and payinge, therefore, to us, oure heires and successors, the fifte parte onlie of all oare of gould and silver that from tvme to time, and at all times hereafter, shalbe there gotton, had and obtained, for all manner of service.

          And, nevertheles, oure will and pleasure is, and wee doe by theis presentes chardge, commannde, warrant and auctorize, that the said Tresorer and Companie and their successors, or the major parte of them which shall be present and assembled for that purpose, shall from time to time under their common seale distribute, convey, assigne and set over such particuler porcions of lands, tenements and hereditaments, by theise presents formerly grannted, unto such oure lovinge subjects naturallie borne of denizens, or others, aswell adventurers as planters, as by the said Companie, upon a commission of survey and distribucion executed and retourned for that purpose, shalbe named, appointed and allowed, wherein oure will and pleasure is, that respect be had as well of the proporcion of the adventure[r] as to the speciall service, hazarde, exploite or meritt of anie person so as to be recompenced, advannced or rewarded.

          And for as muche as the good and prosperous successe of the said plantacion cannot but cheiflie depende, next under the blessinge of God and the supporte of oure royall aucthoritie, upon the provident and good direccion of the whole enterprise by a carefull and understandinge Counsell, and that it is not convenient that all the adventurers shalbe so often drawne to meete and assemble as shalbe requisite for them to have metings and conference aboute theire affaires, therefore we doe ordaine, establishe and confirme that there shalbe perpetually one Counsell here resident, accordinge to the tenor of oure former lettres patents, which Counsell shall have a seale for the better governement and administracion of the said plantacion besides the legall seale of the Companie or Corporacion, as in oure former lettres patents is also expressed.

          And further wee establishe and ordaine that

Henrie, Earl of Southampton

William, Earl of Pembrooke

Henrie, Earl of Lincoln

Thomas, Earl of Exeter

Roberte, Lord Viscounte Lisle

Lord Theophilus Howard

James, Lord Bishopp of Bathe and Wells

Edward, Lord Zouche

Thomas, Lord Laware

William, Lord Mounteagle

Edmunde, Lord Sheffeilde

Grey, Lord Shanndoys

John, Lord Stanhope

George, Lord Carew

Sir Humfrey Welde, Lord Mayor of London

Sir Edward Cecil

Sir William Waad

Sir Henrie Nevill

Sir Thomas Smith

Sir Oliver Cromwell

Sir Peter Manwood

Sir Thomas Challoner

Sir Henrie Hovarte (Hobart)

Sir Franncis Bacon

Sir George Coppin

Sir John Scott

Sir Henrie Carey

Sir Roberte Drurie

Sir Horatio Vere

Sir Eward Conwaye

Sir Maurice Berkeley

Sir Thomas Gates

Sir Michaele Sands (Sandys)

Sir Roberte Mansfeild

Sir John Trevor

Sir Amyas Preston

Sir William Godolphin

Sir Walter Cope

Sir Robert Killigrewe

Sir Henrie Faushawe

Sir Edwyn Sandes

Sir John Watts

Sir Henrie Montague

Sir William Romney

Sir Thomas Roe

Sir Baptiste Hicks

Sir Richard Williamson

Sir Stephen Powle (Poole)

Sir Dudley Diggs

Christopher Brooke, Esq.

John Eldred, and

John Wolstenholme

          shalbe oure Counsell for the said Companie of Adventurers and Planters in Virginia.

          And the said Sir Thomas Smith wee ordaine to be Tresorer of the said Companie, which Tresorer shall have aucthoritie to give order for the warninge of the Counsell and sommoninge the Companie to their courts and meetings.

          And the said Counsell and Tresorer or anie of them shalbe from henceforth nominated, chosen, contynued, displaced, chaunged, altered and supplied, as death or other severall occasions shall require, out of the Companie of the said adventurers by the voice of the greater parte of the said Counsell and adventurers in their assemblie for that purpose; provided alwaies that everie Councellor so newlie elected shalbe presented to the Lord Channcellor of England, or to the Lord Highe Treasurer of England, or the Lord Chambleyne of the housholde of us, oure heires and successors, for the tyme beinge to take his oathe of a Counsellor to us, oure heires and successors, for the said Companie and Collonie in Virginia.

          And wee doe by theis presents, of oure especiall grace, certaine knowledge and meere motion, for us, oure heires and successors, grannte unto the said Tresorer and Companie and their successors, that if it happen at anie time or times the Tresorer for the tyme beinge to be sick, or to have anie such cause of absente from the cittie of London as shalbe allowed by the said Counsell or the greater parte of them assembled, so as he cannot attende the affaires of that Companie, in everie such case it shall and maie be lawfull for such Tresorer for the tyme beinge to assigne, constitute and appointe one of the Counsell for Companie to be likewise allowed by the Counsell or the greater parte of them assembled to be the deputie Tresorer for the said Companie; which Deputie shall have power to doe and execute all things which belonge to the said Tresorer duringe such tyme as such Tresorer shalbe sick or otherwise absent, upon cause allowed of by the said Counsell or the major parte of them as aforesaid, so fullie and wholie and in as large and ample manner and forme and to all intents and purposes as the said Tresorer if he were present himselfe maie or might doe and execute the same.

          And further of oure especiall grace, certaine knowledge and meere mocion, for us, oure heires and successors, wee doe by theis presents give and grannt full power and aucthoritie to oure said Counsell here resident aswell at this present tyme as hereafter, from time to time, to nominate, make, constitute, ordaine and confirme by such name or names, stile or stiles as to them shall seeme good, and likewise to revoke, dischardge, channge and alter aswell all and singuler governors, oficers and ministers which alreadie hath ben made, as also which hereafter shalbe by them thought fitt and meedefull to be made or used for the government of the said Colonie and plantacion.

          And also to make, ordaine and establishe all manner of orders, lawes, directions, instructions, formes and ceremonies of government and magistracie, fitt and necessarie, for and concerninge the government of the said Colonie and plantacion; and the same att all tymes hereafter to abrogate, revoke or chaunge, not onely within the precincts of the said Colonie but also upon the seas in goeing and cominge to and from the said Collonie, as they in their good discrecions shall thinke to be fittest for [the] good of the adventurers and inhabiters there.

          And we doe also declare that for divers reasons and consideracions us thereunto especiallie moving, oure will and pleasure is and wee doe hereby ordaine that imediatlie from and after such time as anie such governour or principall officer so to be nominated and appointed by oure said Counsell for the governement of the said Colonie, as aforesaid, shall arive in Virginia and give notice unto the Collonie there resident of oure pleasure in this behalfe, the government, power and aucthority of the President and Counsell, heretofore by oure former lettres patents there established, and all lawes and constitucions by them formerlie made, shall utterly cease and be determined; and all officers, governours and ministers formerly constituted or appointed shalbe dischardged, anie thinge in oure said former lettres patents conserninge the said plantacion contayned in aniewise to the contrarie notwithstandinge; streightlie chardginge and commaundinge the President and Counsell nowe resident in the said Collonie upon their alleadgiance after knowledge given unto them of oure will and pleasure by theis presentes signified and declared, that they forth with be obedient to such governor or governers as by oure said Counsell here resident shalbe named and appointed as aforesaid; and to all direccions, orders and commandements which they shall receive from them, aswell in the present resigninge and giveinge upp of their aucthoritie, offices, chardg and places, as in all other attendannce as shalbe by them from time to time required.

          And wee doe further by theis presentes ordaine and establishe that the said Tresorer and Counsell here resident, and their successors or anie fower of them assembled (the Tresorer beinge one), shall from time to time have full power and aucthoritie to admitt and receive anie other person into their companie, corporacion and freedome; and further, in a generall assemblie of the adventurers, with the consent of the greater parte upon good cause, to disfranchise and putt oute anie person or persons oute of the said fredome and Companie.

          And wee doe also grannt and confirme for us, oure heires and successors that it shalbe lawfull for the said Tresorer and Companie and their successors, by direccion of the Governors there, to digg and to serche for all manner of mynes of goulde, silver, copper, iron, leade, tinne and other mineralls aswell within the precincts aforesaid as within anie parte of the maine lande not formerly graunted to anie other; and to have and enjoye the gould, silver, copper, iron, leade, and tinn, and all other mineralls to be gotten thereby, to the use and behoofe of the said Companie of Planters and Adventurers, yeldinge therefore and payinge yerelie unto us, oure heires and successors, as aforesaid.

          And wee doe further of oure speciall grace, certaine knowledge and meere motion, for us, oure heires and successors, grannt, by theis presents to and withe the said Tresorer and Companie and their successors, that it shalbe lawfull and free for them and their assignes at all and everie time and times here after, oute of oure realme of England and oute of all other [our] dominions, to take and leade into the said voyage, and for and towards the said plantacion, and to travell thitherwards and to abide and inhabite therein the said Colonie and plantacion, all such and so manie of oure lovinge subjects, or anie other straungers that wilbecomme oure lovinge subjects and live under oure allegiance, as shall willinglie accompanie them in the said voyadge and plantation with sufficient shippinge armour, weapons, ordinannce, municion, powder, shott, victualls, and such merchaundize or wares as are esteemed by the wilde people in those parts, clothinge, implements, furnitures, catle, horses and mares, and all other thinges necessarie for the said plantation and for their use and defence and trade with the people there, and in passinge and retourninge to and from without yeldinge or payinge subsedie, custome, imposicion, or anie other taxe or duties to us, oure heires or successors, for the space of seaven yeares from the date of theis presents; provided, that none of the said persons be such as shalbe hereafter by speciall name restrained by us, oure heires or successors.

          And for their further encouragement, of oure speciall grace and favour, wee doe by theis present for us, oure heires and successors, yeild and graunte to and with the said Tresorer and Companie and their successors and everie of them, their factors and assignes, that they and every of them shalbe free and quiett of all subsedies and customes in Virginia for the space of one and twentie yeres, and from all taxes and imposicions for ever, upon anie goods or merchaundizes at anie time or times hereafter, either upon importation thither or exportation from thence into oure realme of England or into anie other of oure [realms or] dominions, by the said Tresorer and Companie and their successors, their deputies, factors [or] assignes or anie of them, except onlie the five pound per centum due for custome upon all such good and merchanndizes as shalbe brought or imported into oure realme of England or anie other of theis oure dominions accordinge to the auncient trade of merchannts, which five poundes per centum onely beinge paid, it shalbe thensforth lawfull and free for the said Adventurers the same goods [and] merchaundizes to export and carrie oute of oure said dominions into forraine partes without anie custome, taxe or other duty tO be paide to us oure heires or successors or to anie other oure officers or deputies; provided, that the saide goods and merchaundizes be shipped out within thirteene monethes after their first landinge within anie parte of those dominions.

          And wee doe also confirme and grannt to the said Tresorer and Companie, and their successors, as also to all and everie such governer or other officers and ministers as by oure said Counsell shalbe appointed, to have power and aucthoritie of governement and commannd in or over the said Colonie or plantacion; that they and everie of them shall and lawfullie maie from tyme to tyme and at all tymes forever hereafter, for their severall defence and safetie, enconnter, expulse, repell and resist by force and armes, aswell by sea as by land, and all waies and meanes whatsoever, all and everie such person and persons whatsoever as without the speciall licens of the said Tresorer and Companie and their successors shall attempte to inhabite within the said severall precincts and lymitts of the said Colonie and plantacion; and also, all and everie such person and persons whatsoever as shall enterprise, or attempte at anie time hereafter, destruccion, invasion, hurte, detriment or annoyannce to the said Collonye and plantacion, as is likewise specified in the said former grannte.

          And that it shalbe lawful for the said Tresorer and Companie, and their successors and everie of them, from time to time and at all times hereafter, and they shall have full power and aucthoritie, to take and surprise by all waies and meanes whatsoever all and everie person and persons whatsoever, with their shippes, goods and other furniture, traffiquinge in anie harbor, creeke or place within the limitts or precincts of the said Colonie and plantacion, [not] being allowed by the said Companie to be adventurers or planters of the said Colonie, untill such time as they beinge of anie realmes or dominions under oure obedience shall paie or agree to paie, to the hands of the Tresorer or [of] some other officer deputed by the said governors in Virginia (over and above such subsedie and custome as the said Companie is or here after shalbe to paie) five poundes per centum upon all goods and merchaundizes soe brought in thither, and also five per centum upon all goods by them shipped oute from thence; and being straungers and not under oure obedience untill they have payed (over and above such subsedie and custome as the same Tresorer and Companie and their successors is or hereafter shalbe to paie) tenn pounds per centum upon all such goods, likewise carried in and oute, any thinge in the former lettres patents to the contrarie not withstandinge; and the same sommes of monie and benefitt as aforesaid for and duringe the space of one and twentie yeares shalbe wholie imploied to the benefitt and behoof of the said Colonie and plantacion; and after the saide one and twentie yeares ended, the same shalbe taken to the use of us, oure heires or successors, by such officer and minister as by us, oure heires or successors, shalbe thereunto assigned and appointed, as is specified in the said former lettres patents.

          Also wee doe, for us, oure heires and successors, declare by theis presents, that all and everie the persons beinge oure subjects which shall goe and inhabit within the said Colonye and plantacion, and everie of their children and posteritie which shall happen to be borne within [any] the lymitts thereof, shall have [and] enjoye all liberties, franchesies and immunities of free denizens and naturall subjects within anie of oure other dominions to all intents and purposes as if they had bine abidinge and borne within this oure kingdome of England or in anie other of oure dominions.

          And forasmuch as it shalbe necessarie for all such our lovinge subjects as shall inhabitt within the said precincts of Virginia aforesaid to determine to live togither in the feare and true woorshipp of Almightie God, Christian peace and civill quietnes, each with other, whereby everie one maie with more safety, pleasure and profitt enjoye that where unto they shall attaine with great paine and perill, wee, for us, oure heires and successors, are likewise pleased and contented and by theis presents doe give and graunte unto the said Tresorer and Companie and their successors and to such governors, officers and ministers as shalbe, by oure said Councell, constituted and appointed, accordinge to the natures and lymitts of their offices and places respectively, that they shall and maie from time to time for ever hereafter, within the said precincts of Virginia or in the waie by the seas thither and from thence, have full and absolute power and aucthority to correct, punishe, pardon, governe and rule all such the subjects of us, oure heires and successors as shall from time to time adventure themselves in anie voiadge thither or that shall at anie tyme hereafter inhabitt in the precincts and territorie of the said Colonie as aforesaid, accordinge to such order, ordinaunces, constitution, directions and instruccions as by oure said Counsell, as aforesaid, shalbe established; and in defect thereof, in case of necessitie according to the good discretions of the said governours and officers respectively, aswell in cases capitall and criminall as civill, both marine and other, so alwaies as the said statuts, ordinannces and proceedinges as neere as convenientlie maie be, be agreable to the lawes, statutes, government and pollicie of this oure realme of England.

          And we doe further of oure speciall grace, certeine knowledge and mere mocion, grant, declare and ordaine that such principall governour as from time to time shall dulie and lawfullie be aucthorised and appointed, in manner and forme in theis presents heretofore expressed, shall [have] full power and aucthoritie to use and exercise marshall lawe in cases of rebellion or mutiny in as large and ample manner as oure leiutenant in oure counties within oure realme of England have or ought to have by force of their comissions of lieutenancy. And furthermore, if anie person or persons, adventurers or planters, of the said Colonie, or anie other at anie time or times hereafter, shall transporte anie monyes, goods or marchaundizes oute of anie [of] oure kingdomes with a pretence or purpose to lande, sell or otherwise dispose the same within the lymitts and bounds of the said Collonie, and yet nevertheles beinge at sea or after he hath landed within anie part of the said Colonie shall carrie the same into anie other forraine Countrie, with a purpose there to sell and dispose there of that, then all the goods and chattels of the said person or persons so offendinge and transported, together with the shipp or vessell wherein such transportacion was made, shalbe forfeited to us, oure heires and successors.

          And further, oure will and pleasure is, that in all questions and doubts that shall arrise upon anie difficultie of construccion or interpretacion of anie thinge contained either in this or in oure said former lettres patents, the same shalbe taken and interpreted in most ample and beneficiall manner for the said Tresorer and Companie and their successors and everie member there of.

          And further, wee doe by theis presents ratifie and confirme unto the said Tresorer and Companie and their successors all privuleges, franchesies, liberties and immunties graunted in oure said former lettres patents and not in theis oure lettres patents revoked, altered, channged or abridged.

          And finallie, oure will and pleasure is and wee doe further hereby for us, oure heires and successors grannte and agree, to and with the said Tresorer and Companie and their successors, that all and singuler person and persons which shall at anie time or times hereafter adventure anie somme or sommes of money in and towards the said plantacion of the said Colonie in Virginia and shalbe admitted by the said Counsell and Companie as adventurers of the said Colonie, in forme aforesaid, and shalbe enrolled in the booke or record of the adventurers of the said Companye, shall and maie be accompted, accepted, taken, helde and reputed Adventurers of the said Collonie and shall and maie enjoye all and singuler grannts, priviledges, liberties, benefitts, profitts, commodities [and immunities], advantages and emoluments whatsoever as fullie, largely, amplie and absolutely as if they and everie of them had ben precisely, plainely, singulerly and distinctly named and inserted in theis oure lettres patents.

          And lastely, because the principall effect which wee cann desier or expect of this action is the conversion and reduccion of the people in those partes unto the true worshipp of God and Christian religion, in which respect wee would be lothe that anie person should be permitted to passe that wee suspected to affect the superstitions of the Churche of Rome, wee doe hereby declare that it is oure will and pleasure that none be permitted to passe in anie voiadge from time to time to be made into the saide countrie but such as firste shall have taken the oath of supremacie, for which purpose wee doe by theise presents give full power and aucthoritie to the Tresorer for the time beinge, and anie three of the Counsell, to tender and exhibite the said oath to all such persons as shall at anie time be sent and imploied in the said voiadge.

          Although expresse 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 witnes whereof [we have caused these our letters to be made patent. Witness ourself at Westminster, the 23d day of May (1609) in the seventh year of our reign of England, France, and Ireland, and of Scotland the ****]

          Per ipsum Regem exactum.