(Full Line-by-Line of the French Original)

 

Page 697

 

New France is adjacent to Virginia, so named from the Marian Islands of the same name, and a colony granted by King James to the younger branch of Queen Elizabeth of England. It was discovered and named by the famous and ancient English navigator in the year of our Lord 1494, named Cabot, also a relative of Christopher Columbus and his associate in the history of the Indies. 

This so-called New France now separates the two great regions of the far North and the South, which the English call New England. Along the coasts of these regions now lie primarily the English colonies and plantations. The map and description we see here is the one first created by Mr. J. Smith, who was the principal founder of this colony, ably assisted by Sir Thomas Dale, Mr. Argall, and several other courageous men.

The Powhatan River, which the English call the James River, is one of the most convenient in the world, both for harbor, width, and depth. Nearly 40,000 English are settled there, and the principal town, called Jamestown, is located on the banks of this river.

The author and promoter of this writing is called Captain, in honor of the Prince of Wales and, at the time, the King of Scotland, still young. He is the same man who made the description of the Powhatan River, Chesapeake Bay, and surrounding regions. He took part in the wars against the native peoples of the river: the King of Pamunkey, the King of Paspahegh, the Chickahominy, and other nations named on the map. He also led several expeditions toward the mountains. You will see the mountains marked here, along with places, rivers, valleys, woods, lakes, etc.

The climate is temperate, more hot than cold, more dry than humid. There are plants, fruits, trees, and roots similar to those in Europe. There is a great quantity of fish and shellfish in the rivers and ponds. As for precious stones, gold, silver, copper, iron, sulfur, alum, vitriol, and coloring materials, there are signs of them. Several samples have been brought back.

It is said that the inhabitants are mostly of average height, well-formed bodies, of a beautiful brown color, with long black hair. They have good natural dispositions, are skillful, courageous, and agile, and are quite capable of being instructed. They have large communal houses and observe certain religious rites. Some of them have begun to receive the Christian religion.

The women are hardworking and often go about carrying bundles of wood, or fish, or other items. The men go hunting, or to war, or travel. They are skilled in crafting necessities such as bows, arrows, canoes, garments, necklaces, ornaments, etc. They have chiefs, or kings, whom they call Werowances, and councils to judge disputes.

Their feasts are accompanied by singing, dancing, and banquets. They have many superstitions and sometimes offer sacrifices to spirits they believe dwell in the woods, waters, or mountains. They believe in the immortality of the soul and honor the dead. They also have their own language, though some have begun to learn English.

Even though Virginia yields many things along with vegetation, in time it may well be perfected further.

 

Page 700 – English Translation

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Their way of fishing is quite amusing: they make barriers of reeds in the water, with an opening at only one passage, where the fish, once entered, cannot leave, and then they easily catch them by hand and use them that way. They also have nets and other fishing tools. The women also make nets from tree bark and dry the fish in the sun.

They have a great abundance of turkeys, deer, wild boars, partridges, ducks, and other wild birds, which they catch with nets or bows. Their bows are made of hard wood, and the arrows are tipped with stone or bone. They also have clubs and kinds of shields.

They cultivate the land in various ways and plant Indian corn, beans, melons, cucumbers, pumpkins, and other vegetables. They also have trees that bear a fruit similar to plums. Their method of tilling the land is with a pointed stick, and the women work the fields as much as the men. They adorn themselves with feathers, shells, pearls, and other shiny things. They pierce their noses and ears and hang ornaments from them. They also paint their faces and bodies in various colors.

They have no writing, but remember what they wish through knots, figures, or drawings. They also have poems which they memorize and sing during festivals. They greatly esteem the elders and the sorcerers. Their manner of treating the sick is full of ceremony. The sorcerer, or “priest,” breathes over the patient, makes incantations, and uses herbs and roots which they regard as medicinal. Sometimes they apply heat, or burn certain woods whose smoke they say drives away the evil spirit. They have also been seen to perform bloodletting with sharp stones.

When someone dies, they mourn with great cries and laments. They bury the body in a pit, often with ornaments and tools, and sometimes food, which they believe the dead will use in the afterlife. They cover the grave with branches and hold a feast in the deceased’s honor. Certain persons are charged with keeping the memory of the dead alive, and they recount their deeds on certain solemn days.

Their year is divided by the moons, and their days by the rising and setting of the sun. They count using their fingers and make use of small stones. They know the stars only slightly but observe the seasons for sowing, fishing, and hunting. The land is fertile and full of promise. In time, it may provide all that one can hope for in agriculture and commerce. Several colonies have already taken root and begun to thrive. With the help of the native peoples, who are strong and clever, the English hope to extend their dominion and Christianize these nations.

Thus ends the brief description of Virginia, which is found between New England and Florida, with the map and account made by Captain Smith and his companions, confirmed by other travelers and colonists. May God bless the enterprise and make it fruitful, to His glory and the good of all.