Philip Randolph: a tale of Virginia

Preface

The incident on which this tale is founded is one very common in the early history of America, and has been chosen by many transatlantic writers as very suitable for an interesting story. But hitherto, the scenes and characters thus interwoven have been placed in New England, the home of the pilgrim fathers-, «,nd are illustrative of their peculiar and romantic position.

However, the more settled, but not less remarkable condition of the earlier settlers of Old Virginia presents details of equal interest ; and in adapting one of the many with which its history is so rife, the present story-teller has not aimed at copying or borrowing from sources generally known and deservedly popular.

This tale is intended to convey a moral to the youthful reader, and to show wherein true hero- 1*

6 PREFACE.

ism consists ; exemplifying, in the ®onduct of Philip, preserving self-denial and moral courage. The writer trusts that her story may prove both amusing and instructive to those for whom it was especially and originally written. My, 1844.

PHILIP RANDOLPH.

Chapter I

The discoveries of Christopher Columbus filled the greater part of Europe with astonishment, and roused a spirit of curiosity and adventurous heroism in almost every nation at all capable of appreciating the difficulties of his undertakings. In his day, maritime affairs were not conducted with the skill of modern times, and it was a perilous attempt to put to sea in a small vessel, with an ignorant and timid crew, to cross oceans hitherto considered boundless and unexplored. The great object in view in all the voyages of Columbus and his immediate successors, was the discovery of a northwest passage to India ; nor does it appear that any of the navigators of the fifteenth andsixteenth centuries were aware of the impracticability of such an enterprise. The Spaniards gained so much by the discoveries of the great Genoese, and so large an acquisition was made both of dominion and territory to their sovereign, that a spirit of emulation and jealousy arose among their neighbors, and others followed in the track they had pursued, so that Spain soon found that she was not to have all the good things of the New World to herself. The Portuguese had long been a seafaring people, and had made many successful voyages to Africa, India, and the Western isles. Some of the Italian states also had a share in the glory that attached to maritime discovery. Henry VII. of England, a wise prince, made some efforts to extend the commerce of the nation, and sent out Cabot in quest of the supposed nearer communication with the East. Two years after the return of Columbus from his first voyage, Cabot set sail from Bristol and reached the east coast of America. He sailed from Labrador to Virginia, but the expedition was fruitless, and till the reign of Elizabeth the discovery was never followed up. That sagacious queen wisely improved her navy, and rightly judged it the most proper means of defence to her sea-girt realm. The enthusiasm for maritime adventure was so great in her reign, that private individuals fitted out ships at their own expense, and whole towns furnished armaments for research and conquest.

It was thought advisable to plant colonies in such parts of America as had been discovered by the English, and a charter was granted, empowering the licensed to make settlements on whatever lands they chose to select, and that all who thus settled themselves should hold their property from the sovereigns of England. All these privileges were conferred by Queen Elizabeth, without reference to the people or natives her subjects would probably find on these strangely-acquired territories. Sir Walter Raleigh had the honor of giving a name to a beautiful tract of country lying on the eastern shores of North America, between the latitudes of 31° and 42°, calling it Virginia, in honor of his queen ; but James I. divided the country into two parts, one of which received the name of New England, and the other retained that of Virginia, which was " the most ancient and most valuable of the British colonies in North America."

English colonists founded Jamestown, on the James river, with various settlements either in its immediate vicinity or higher up the same stream. Friendly re-

PHILIP RANDOLPH. bl

lations were maintained with the natives, and a short time before our story begins, a young Englishman had married the daughter of the Indian king Powhatan. The settlement was rather populous, and the life of a settler endurable, though it had its hardships, and to the indolent or fickle offered nothing attractive ; but many of those who had perseverance and fortitude sufficient for the trial soon had the satisfaction of finding their situation comfortable, and every difficulty fast vanishing before them. Invincible patience and good humor smoothed the way to contentment and ease. When their families grew up around them, and their plantations prospered, the colonists felt cheered, and looked forward with cheerful hearts to extended improvements and success. Many of them were blessed with the light of religion in their dwellings.

As long as Powhatan lived, the English were in perfect peace with their savage neighbors, and though a garrison was maintained, no one seemed to think it would ever be required for the safety of the colony. Jamestown extended itself along the low bank of the river. It can not be considered as the most favorable site for the first English town of America, but one of the highest spots within it had been appropriated for a church. That church is now a ruin ; but pleasantly do those vestiges recall the days when the inhabitants of Jamestown resorted to the shelter of its rude but hallowed walls.

The services never sounded more touchingly than on the morning of the — of March, 16 — . The clergyman of the settlement and an assistant priest entered the church together. Many an eye glanced toward the countenance of Doctor Haverdean, and all seemed to love its kindly and holy expression. His long gray hair fell over his snowy surplice, waving in shining locks upon his venerable shoulders, and the manner in which he read the offices was both fervent and impressive. How did those slightly-tremulous tones sink down into the hearts of the assembled congregation, arresting their attention, and gradually leading them to a forgetfulness of all outward things, till every devout hearer became a spiritual worshipper ! There was no clerk in Jamestown church, nor leading in response or psalm, nor pews, nor organ. The congregation, old and young, joined heartily in the service, the sweet voices of children now and then rising clear and shrill above the deep-toned murmurs of their elders. All were provided with benches, except the governor's family, who sat in a more elevated position than the rest, and around whom the official personages of the colony had peculiar sittings appointed them. It did not escape the observation of some inquiring eyes, that might have been better employed, that the governor's face wore an unusually anxious expression. Instead of the open and agreeable aspect remarked at all times upon the manly countenance of Sir James Yeardly, was now observed one of care and ill-concealed disquietude. Deep were the responses of his agitated voice, and after the collect for peace, no amen was louder or more fervent than his own.

The greater part of the congregation left the church with an air of thoughtfulness most gratifying to their pastor, and they passed on to their respective destinations. Among the numerous parties was a group combining all that was most attractive in age, manhood, and youth. The foremost of the party was a woman whose rosy complexion and rustic dress betokened a recent introduction into the colony. She carried an infant in her arms, and had two other young children in charge, who tripped hand-in-hand by her side. On her arm was leaning an aged man, whom from time to time she fondly regarded, and to whose slow pace she carefully regulated her own. On the other side, likewise supporting his grandfather, walked a youth, whose resemblance to his mother was remarkable, even in the amiable expression of her countenance. They were followed by the father of the family, a fine-looking Englishman ; but a hand was suddenly laid upon his arm, and on turning he recognised Mr. Rolfe, a young man of rank in the colony.

" How now, Master Rolfe ?" said he, returning the salutation of the other, but continuing his walk. " I thought you at Roanoke."

" True, I was there this morning, but ill tidings travel fast, and I came hither to inquire into those which reached me last night."

"Ill tidings?" said Henry Randolph, in a low and alarmed tone, " what news is this ? — From the old country?"

"No, no, far worse, I fear," replied Rolfe, speaking in a still lower tone ; " the governor would have you come up to him as soon as possible : as soon as you have placed your family in the boat, he would speak a word with you."

" I am grieved to displeasure his excellency, but it may not be," replied Henry Randolph, gravely, " for this is not a day whereon to prosecute business, and I must accompany my wife and children home."

" But, Master Randolph, half the colony will be at council to-day."

" The less need then of my presence, but I will be with his excellency to-morrow, please God ; and now, Master Rolfe, excuse me, but I can not depart without reminding you that business transacted on the Lord's day is not likely to prosper. My duty to the governor : he will not miss me among so many."

"Nay, nay, my friend," said Rolfe, "these are mere scruples ; the safety of those most dear to you may depend upon your reply: come with me."

A slight sigh escaped Henry Randolph, but he turned to his companion with a firm countenance, and said, " Well, Master Rolfe, it may indeed be as you say; but I am very sure that He whose sabbaths we honor will care for us. Farewell."

Chapter II

In consequence of the frequent occasion they had to come to Jamestown, the residents on the distant settlements had built a tolerably commodious landingplace, to which many little boats were now attached. In some of these were seated negroes, already trained to service by the rigorous rule of their masters ; but when the Randolphs hailed their boat, they were answered by the hearty tones of a man who occupied the place of their farm-servant. The children and their attendant were first seated ; then Henry with great care handed in his father and his wife ; Philip took the helm, and Ralph Giles plied a vigorous oar, and the little boat made way in the water.

The children were gazing into the water, wondering how deep it was, and what made the banks fly away so fast from them. Philip sat intent upon the direction in which the boat was to be steered: the eyes of the old man were closed, and his hands clasped upon the top of his staff, on which his chin rested ; the little Alice loved to look at his long silver locks blown*-** about by the breeze, and admired, though she knew not why, the placid expression of his countenance. The eyes of the wife were fixed upon her husband's face with interest and inquiry. He was looking back toward Jamestown, and she observed that he appeared anxious and restless, as if his mind were more than commonly occupied with careful thoughts.. He was, indeed, considering the words of Rolfe, and tould not refrain from watching the various groups of persons who were to be seen hurrying in the direction of the governor's dwelling : then he glanced anxiously at his children, and, connecting the sense of danger with the mysterious communication he had so lately received, his disturbed imagination presented the most serious grounds of apprehension for those most dear to him, over whom some unseen calamity was impending. The rising trouble of the father's heart formed a sad contrast to their happy unconsciousness of its cause. He turned from them again to resume his observations upon the scene they were leaving, when a bend in the river caused their little boat to take another course, and Jamestown was lost to view. He was roused from his silence by his wife's voice : she leaned forward and whispered —

" Something has troubled thee, Henry, since the morning ; thou hast learned unpleasant tidings."

" I ought not to look sad," replied her husband, endeavoring to smile ; " the day is gay enough, and we have heard precious words this morning : truly, 1 never valued the worthy Doctor Haverdean more. Alice, my child, dost thou remember the text ?"

The little girl blushed, but rose reverently and an swered : " From the fortieth of Isaiah — 'And all flesh is grass.' "

" Remember it, my child," said the old man, opening his eyes, and laying his hand upon her fair ringlets ; " this world is very beautiful, but the fashion of it passeth away^' -

Alice looked almost doubtingly around upon the bright sky and the sunshine, and even the low flat shore and dusky woods were pleasant things to her ; she thought it could not be.

" My Alice, what grandfather says is true ; it is written in the Scripture, and thou knowest we must believe what is written there," said her father.

The man plied the oars, and after a sail of an hour or two, the settlement of the Fair Meadows became visible in the distance, and all turned to look at their home. The scene was tame but not unpleasing : a large green meadow slopedsto the river-side, and one or two wooden dwellings were seen here and there 2 peeping from out the trees, which were already budding ; low thick woods stretched far on every side ; the windings of the river formed the only picturesque feature in the landscape, but the children knew no other, and they thought their Virginian home the sweetest spot uptn earth. On a few places upon its banks were pleasant dwellings, where but twenty years before had been an untracked woodland. The deer were seen in large herds coming down to drink, and as the several boats neared the shore, they would start, and tossing up their heads in alarm, flee to the shelter of the woods beyond. No human being was in sight, not even an Indian ; and Philip, with acute observation, remarked this to his father, who did not appear to hear him.

" Why, Master Philip," said Ralph Giles, the serving-man, "it is, to be sure, uncommon strange; there's no live things on the banks at all ; Pse wonder where them Indian folk ha' put themselves. May be they're gone for good ; ay, and a good riddance, say I, for they're not like Christians seemingly ; Pse sure I never see such down in Oak Hollow."

" Because thou knowest they belong to America," said the youth, laughing, " so it is not likely that thou shouldst have seen them in the old country. Who knows but that they shall become a civilized people like ourselves ?"

" Civil people, Master Philip ! sure you be dreaming ; they'll always be a rude, ill-mannered set, or I'm mistaken. I don't think much o' their feathers and paint, not I ; they look sharp, I'se warrant, when nobody's by."

" Thou hadst better move quickly, Ralph Giles," said his master, " or we shall arrive later than our neighbors."

Upon this seasonable hint, Ralph ceased his observations on Indian character, and used his oar so much to the purpose, that they were soon at the landingplace of the Fair Meadows. The settlers had wiselychosen the highest position they could find upon the bank, and had raised their simple dwellings under shelter of the wooded rising ground, so as to be far from the damp of the river, which would have proved particularly noxious in such a climate. A well-beaten path had been made from the river to their habitations, and the Randolphs were very glad to tread it once more. A clearing had been made above, and a number of dwellings were built on an open space in the centre. They were of simple construction, but substantial, and the soil, susceptible of the slighest cultivation, yielded sufficient crops to the settlers. Altogether, the settlement of the Fair Meadows wore a very comfortable and neighborly aspect.

As Philip Randolph opened the gate of their little garden for his mother, he looked around him with an air of happy satisfaction, and said, " Oh, mother, is it not pleasant to be at home again ? I don't think any place looks better than the Fair Meadows."

Margaret Randolph smiled sweetly upon her son, and assented cheerfully to his remark, though she had known the comforts of a far more luxurious dwelling.

Sunday with the Randolphs was indeed a happy day ; not that they spent it idly or in amusements, but they spent it so well, that it was felt to be the most pleasant of all days in the week. It was a day of rest from the business and conversation of other days, and was so well occupied, that it did not pass gloomily ; and though books were not plentiful, the children were carefully instructed to value those they possessed. The family Bible, with its large silver clasps, the book of Common Prayer, with Sternhold's Psalms, were the best known in the house, and these, with a few others, formed all their Sunday library. Henry Randolph, having received a good education in his youth, was anxious to impart the love of study to his son, though he had but little leisure to teach him. Philip, however, took such pains, and was so desirous to learn, and thought it so kind in his father to attend to his lessons when he came home tired with his daily

16 PHIXIP RANDOLPH.

labors, that he made progress, and though scarcely sixteen, could read a few chapters in the Greek Testament, with a good understanding of the text. His duty on the Sunday afternoon was to instruct his sister Alice, and to study the Scriptures. The father and mother taught and amused the younger children, and at five o'clock the neighbors of the settlement assembled at one another's houses in turn, for the purpose of reading the evening service. A homily was read, and a psalm sung, the young people and servants catechised, and then the different families returned to their homes, and took their early and substantial suppers.

The supper was ample, and of such as the farm supplied : a good ham, poultry, with dried venison, and the potato, best liked as the greatest novelty, already regarded as one of the many good things found in the New World. After the little ones and their grandfather had retired, Henry and Margaret Randolph drew near the fire, and Philip took his station between them. His father dismissed him earlier than usual, saying that they must all be up in good time in the morning, as he must go to Jamestown as soon as the day broke. The boy rose without a word of remonstrance or entreaty to stay longer ; he kissed his mother, received his father's blessing, and ascended the ladder that communicated with his sleepingroom.

His shutter was not closed, and the cool air came in with the moonlight, which illumined every object. The river was calm and glistening, though the woods of the opposite shore flung their broad shadows over the waters, making the soft reflection of the moon more distinct and silvery, while those around the Fair Meadows were tipped with light, which floated, as it were, over the masses of impenetrable shade beneath. Philip at all times loved to gaze upon nature, and could scarcely tear himself from the delightful scene ; everything seemed so peaceful and reposing, that he thought he could never feel unhappy, or dull, or vexed again, his feelings were so soothed and subdued by the tranquillity without; and his heart rose in spontaneous adoration to his Maker.

He was turning away, at length, to throw himself upon his knees, when his attention was suddenly arrested by a new object upon the scene. He saw a canoe emerge from the obscurity of the opposite shore, and enter the broad reflection of the moon in the water. The figures of two men, whom he conjectured to be natives, were discernible, and they appeared to be industriously using the paddle ; for their little boat darted with great rapidity across the river, in the direction of the Fair Meadows, and was soon lost to sight in the shelter of its wooded banks. Philip still kept watch, and shortly after saw the same figures standing upon the top of the green hill which overlooked the settlement, and screened it on the west side from the stream. It was so common a circumstance for the Indians to roam hither and thither when they pleased, that it occasioned little surprise to Philip, though he felt a slight curiosity to know what they could be doing at so late an hour, in the vicinity of the Meadows.

Chapter III

On the following morning, soon after breakfast, Henry Randolph was again seated in his boat ; but before starting, he whispered to Ralph Giles to be watchful, and not leave the premises during his absence. The faithful servant seemed surprised, but answered with emotion, " Sure, master, I'se care for every one o' them."

Upon reaching Jamestown, Henry found the little place in much commotion, and the inhabitants making their way to the government house. The green court was filled with people hurrying to and fro, and among them were seen a few stately Indians moving slowly and loftily in the crowd, as if they disdained its eager and bustling activity. Randolph made his way, and requested an audience with the governor. He was instantly conducted to the large hall where the councils were held, and in which the newly-formed house of representatives met. It was spacious and lofty, lighted by several long diamond-paned windows. A large fire was burning on the ample hearth ; large high-backed chairs, richly carved, were ranged round the room ; and a large table stood at the upper end of the apartment, covered with a crimson cloth. Above the head of this table was placed a canopied chair, on which the arms of England were embroidered ; and here usually sat the governor, when business was to be transacted, or audience granted. Portraits of James I. and of his queen adorned the walls, and full-length pictures of the princes Henry and Charles hung on each side of the fireplace.

Sir George Yeardley was standing in one of the deep window-recesses, in earnest conversation with a gentleman of the colony, in military attire. His reception of the new comer was cordial, and he said, turning to his companion with a smile, " Here comes our delinquent! Captain Preston must chide you, Master Randolph, for not joining our council yesterday. Nay, I have your excuse already, and it is a much better one than we have to offer for ourselves ; for we did naught but quarrel, and that to no purpose. But we have other matters to speak of just now, and will draw toward the fire. You have had a chilling sail and a long one." And he rang a Jittle silver bell that lay upon the table.

" A cup of warm canary for our guest," said the governor to a servant who entered ; " and tell those fellows to be sharp with the victuals for the Indians."

The servant soon returned with a silver tray, bearing a massive silver tankard, which was proffered to

Henry Randolph, who merely tasted /he beverage, and sat it down again.

" You pay a poor compliment to our wine," said the good-natured governor. " Come, pray refresh yourself, Master Randolph, after your long sail, and tell me if English comforts are quite banished from this barbarous clime."

"Nay, nay, Sir George, say not so; the climate is good enough for men who must earn their bread ; and when the mind is made to bear, one place is as good as another," said Captain Preston, who took up the rejected tankard, and swallowed the contents at a draught.

" I have more appetite for news than for canary," replied Henry Randolph to the repeated invitation of the governor. " Your excellency is hospitable, but must excuse me."

" Well, well, as you will ; and now to business."

Sir George then proceeded to inform him of certain reports which had reached them from all quarters, of the hostile dispositions of the chief Opecanoff, who was considered to be the king or head of all the tribes from the southern border of Virginia to the river Delaware— a wide tract of country, and, under the power of one chief, might constitute a formidable neighborhood to the English. The late king, Powhatan, had heen very friendly toward them, and lived in amity with the intruders — pale-faces, as they were called by his successor — but the policy of the new chief bad differed from the first, from the peaceful character so long maintained ; he had attacked the tribes supposed to be most intimately bound to the English, and never appeared at Jamestown to share the bounties of the governor, or partake of his hospitality. The late reports had much alarmed them, and Sir George Yeardley had convened a council as soon as he heard of them, but was really perplexed by the matter. They had so long enjoyed peace, that none appeared prepared or willing to court hostility, by making public their suspicions. A few tribes, to the south of James river, had come to ask protection from the grasping ambition of the new sachem, and their dread of his power infused an infectious fear into the minds of the colonists, which they had long been strangers to.

On the Sunday morning, the council had been divided, and no conclusion was arrived at ; butr on the morning which we are speaking of, at a very early hour for such meetings, the whole congress were assembled, and soon engaged in close confabulation, at the long table before mentioned. In the midst of the conference, a servant entered to announce the arrival of six Indian messengers, who brought presents with them from the Indian king to the governor. The countenance of Sir George brightened at this intelligence, and he looked cheerfully upon his friends, saying, in an animated tone, " Admit them instantly, and let us assume all our dignity, gentlemen, for these savages have it to perfection, and will look sharply at us, depend on't."

The party of Indians were shortly announced, and the representatives were sitting with an air of dignified composure at the table. The embassy was received •with suitable condescension by the governor, whose handsome attire and brave countenance seemed to impress the savages with a momentary awe. They were headed by a man of majestic deportment, whose features were calm to rigidity, and whose dark eyes alone expressed the character of his soul. His piercing glance flitted from object to object with the rapidity of lightning, and then subsided into a cold and indifferent stare, as he fixed his eyes upon the governor, standing in silence, with his arms folded and his head erect. Their interpreter, who had been in the service of a former governor, gave the message of the Indian king, and described the presents in exaggerated terms, though they had been left in the courtyard. Sir George returned an appropriate reply, and requested them to take some refreshment with their countrymen without, but fhe offer was declined. Mr. Rolfe, who sat next the governor, and had attentively observed the scene, now whispered, " Do not trust them ; they refuse to eat with us : they are spies, I am convinced. Let them not depart without examination."

" Nay, you had better seek into this matter yourself, Master Rolfe, for you are a scholar in their language, and I care not to question such subtle knaves ;" and Sir George leaned back in his chair of state, carelessly playing with the hilt of his sword, but keenly watching the group from beneath his dark and bushy eyebrows. Rolfe, thus sanctioned, without preface spoke in their figurative language, and interpreted their replies : —

" Will not my brothers taste our bread and water ? They must not return to their village hungry and thirsty. The Dahwyotts are at the feast : will not my brothers join them ?"

The tall Indian raised his eyes to the speaker's face, and paused ere he replied in a low guttural tone, " We do not eat corn with the Dahwyotts" — accompanying his remark with a contemptuous expression of countenance and gesture.

Rolfe changed his mode of address, and said, haughtily, " The great king of the Yengees does not offer his food twice to the stranger : go back to your chief, and tell him to send those who will eat with us. Has Opecanoff burnt the wampum ?"

A glance of intelligence was exchanged between the savage and his party at this name ; and then the first speaker replied, as calmly as before : " Who knows where the dwelling of the eagle is ? Go ask for Opecanoff, and the forest will be silent ; the white man may never see his track !"