converted into a commodity as fine in its quality as that derived from Brazilian soil. This person, with a boldness which showed great confidence in his own knowledge, suggested that all the planters should place themselves under his instruction, or, if that should be considered impracticable, a large number of them should form a company for the purpose of curing their tobacco in the manner which he should recommend, this tobacco to be afterwards vended in Europe or on the coast of Guinea, where it was in great demand. The proposition was made to the Governor and Council, and the hope was expressed that they would report upon it favorably to the King, and that his Majesty would be pleased to grant the special patent desired for a period of fourteen years. The company was to purchase the leaf in large quantities, and also as many slaves as would be required to manipulate it. It is unnecessary to say that this scheme came to nothing. The indisposition of the planters to cooperate, as well as the absence of all facilities for carrying on the necessary work of a joint-stock association of the kind proposed, were sufficient to render the proposition impracticable, even if it were admitted that there was any substantial basis for its successful consummation in the quality of Virginian tobacco. The scheme itself was doubtless the hair-brain notion of some wandering adventurer with little to recommend him beyond a firm belief in his own abilities. What became of the stranger when his proposition failed to secure the approval which he was seeking is a question involved in obscurity, but it may be taken for granted that he did not remain long in the Colony where he had received so little encouragement.
Jones, writing in 1721, at a time when agriculture in Virginia was making a notable progress, declared[1] that it
- ↑ Hugh Jones’ Present State of Virginia, p. 61.
