nor mines of gold or silver." This, be it noted, was before tobacco was discovered to be an economic treasure.
The Elizabeth from London reached Virginia in May, 1613.

It brought to the colony news of Bermuda, and incidentally of that new notion brewing in the mind of some of the Company.

When the Elizabeth, after a month in Virginia, turned homeward, she carried a vigorous letter from Dale, the High Marshal, to Sir Thomas Smith, Treasurer of the Company.
"Let me tell you all at home [writes Dale] this one thing, and I pray remember it; if you give over this country and loose it, you, with your wisdoms, will leap such a gudgeon as our state hath not done the like since they lost the Kingdom of France; be not gulled with the clamorous report of base people; believe Caleb and Joshua; if the glory of God have no power with them and the conversion of these poor infidels, yet let the rich mammons' desire egge them on to inhabit these countries.
I protest to you, by the faith of an honest man, the more I range the country the more I admire it.

I have seen the best countries in Europe; I protest to you, before the Living God, put them all together, this country will be equivalent unto them if it be inhabited with good people." If ever Mother England seriously thought of moving Virginia into Bermuda, the idea was now given over.

Spain, suspending the sword until Virginia "will fall of itselfe," saw that sword rust away.
Five years in all Dale ruled Virginia.