Ralphe Hamor. A True Discourse of the Present Estate of Virginia
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To my very deere and loving Cofen M.G. Minister of the B.F. in London.
Sir the Colony here is much better. Sir Thomas Dale our religious and valiant Governour, hath now brough that to passe, which never before could be effected. For by warre upon our enemies, and kinde usage of our friends, he hath brought them to seeke for peace of us, which is made, and they dare not breake. But that which is best, one Pocahuntas or Matoa the daughter of Powhatan, is married to an honest and discreete English Gentleman Master Rolfe, and that after she had openly
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renounced her countrey Idolatry, confessed the faith of Jesus Christ, and was baptized; which thing Sir Thomas Dale had laboured along time to ground in her.
Yet notwithstanding, are the vertous deeds of this worthy Knight, much debased, by the letters which some wicked men have written from hence, and especially by one C.L. if you heare any condemne this noble Knight, or doe feare to come hither, for those slaunderous letters, you may upon my word bouldly reprove them. You know that no malefactors can abide the face of the Judge, but themselves scorning to be reproved, doe prosecute with all hatred, all those that labour their amendment. I marvaile much that any men of honest life, should feare the sword of the magistrate, which is unsheathed onely in their defense.
But I much more muse, that so few of English Ministers that were so hot against the Surplis and subscription: come hither where neither spoken of. Due they not either willfully hide their Tallents, or keepe themselves at home for feare of loosing a few pleasures? Be there not any amongst them of Moses his minde, and of the Apostles, that forsooke all to follow Christ? But I referre them to the judge of all hearts, and to the King that shall reward every one according to the gaine of his Tallent. But you my cosen, hold fast that which you have, and I thought my promise of 3 yeeres service to my country be expired, will abide in my vocation
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here until I be lawfully called from hence. And so betaking us all unto the mercies of God in Christ Jesus, I rest for ever.
Virginina June 18, 1614.
Your most deere and loving cosen.
Alex.Whitakers.