The region adjoining Virginia was peopled by Puritans from the Nansemond country, vexed with the paltry persecutions of Governor Berkeley, and later by fugitives from the bloody revenge which he delighted to inflict on those who had been involved in the righteous rebellion led by Nathaniel Bacon.

These had been joined by insolvent debtors not a few.

Adventurers from New England settled on the Cape Fear River for a lumber trade, and kept the various plantations in communication with the rest of the world by their coasting craft plying to Boston.

Dissatisfied companies from Barbadoes seeking a less torrid climate next arrived.

Thus the region was settled in the first instance at second hand from older colonies.