YALE UNIVERSITY
BEINECKE RARE BOOK AND MANUSCRIPT LIBRARY
GENERAL COLLECTION OF RARE BOOKS AND
MANUSCRIPTS
PRE-1600 MANUSCRIPTS
Beinecke MS 567
England, 1616
John Rolfe, A true relation of the state of Virginia
1. ff. 1r-8v A true relation of the state of Virginia lefte by Sir Thomas Dale, Knight, in May
last 1616. To the right honourable, the Earl of Pembroke, Knight of the most noble Order of the
Garter, one of His Majesties most honourable Pryvy Councell. Right Honourable, There have
bene of late divulged manie ympression **diciallie and trulie pe***, partlie to take awaie the
ignomynie, scandales and maledictions wherewith this action hath bene branded, and partlie to
satisfie all (especally the best) which the ***** of the late proceedings, and the prosperitie
lykely to ensue, how happilie and plenteousely the good blessings of God have fallen upon the
people and colony since the last ympression (faithfully wryten by a gentleman of good merit, Mr.
Ralph Hamor) ... thus craving your honourable patience for my boldnes, beseechinge God to
send your honour fullnes of his blessings in this world, and in the life to come the rest. At your
honors service and command in all duty, John Rolf.
2. f. 9r The nomber of neate, cattle, horses and goates which were alive in Virginia at Sir
Tomas Dale his departure thence. Cowes, heifers, calves, 83 ... Hoggs wilde and tame, not to be
nombered. Powltry great plenty. f. 9v blank
John Rolfe (1585-1622), A true relation of the state of Virginia, autograph manuscript, J.M.
Jennings, ed. (?? 1951). The author, best known for his part in the colonization of Virginia under
the governorship of Sir Thomas Dale (d. 1619) and his marriage to the Indian princess
Pocahontas (d. 1617), wrote this account after his return to England in 1616 to show the
suitability of Virginia for colonization; cf. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, v. 47 (2004),
pp. 608-610.
Paper, ff. 10, 255 x 170 mm.
Gothica Cursiva (Secretary). The acidity of the ink has damaged the paper.
Original paper wrappers. Kept in a blue morocco box with the gold-tooled title on the front cover
and on the spine "JOHN ROLFE MANUSCRIPT"
Collection of Henry C. Taylor. Bequest of Henry C. Taylor, 1971.
Bibliography: Taylor Collection, no. 12.
Albert Derolez
Updated 30.11.07