let those be rather noblemen and gentlemen, than merchants; for they look ever to the present gain. Let there be freedoms from custom,[1] till the plantation be of strength; and not only freedom from custom, but freedom to carry their commodities where they may make their best of them, except there be some special cause of caution. Cram not in people, by sending too fast company after company; but rather harken[2] how they waste, and send supplies proportionably; but so as the number may live well in the plantation, and not by surcharge be in penury. It hath been a great endangering to the health of some plantations, that they have built along the sea and rivers, in marish[3] and unwholesome grounds. Therefore, though you begin there, to avoid carriage and other like discommodities,[4] yet build still rather upwards from the streams, than along. It concerneth likewise the health of the plantation that they have good store of salt with them, that they may use it in their victuals, when it shall be necessary. If you plant where savages are, do not only entertain them with trifles and gingles,[5] but use them justly and graciously, with sufficient
- ↑ Custom. A tax levied by a king or sovereign authority upon merchandise in export or import; now levied only on imports from foreign countries. Rarely in singular in modern English. "Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour." Romans xiii. 7.
- ↑ Harken (hearken). To learn by 'hearing'; to have regard to; to heed.
"This King of Naples, being an enemy
To me inveterate, hearkens my brother's suit."
Shakspere. The Tempest. i. 2.
- ↑ Marish. Marshy.
- ↑ Discommodity. Disadvantage, inconvenience.
- ↑ Gingle. Old spelling of jingle, anything that jingles.
