Robert Beverley's history of the Virginia colonies chart the growth and progress of Richmond, Jamestown and other locales as they grew from fledgling settlements to permanent towns.
Writing in the early 18th century, Robert Beverley benefited from living amid the Virginia colonies as they matured in size. He was active in politics and aware of the evolving government, but professionally worked as a planter of crops. This edition is based upon the 1722 revisions, which update and expand the history.
The first part considers the first discovery of Virginia, with the expedition of Sir Walter Raleigh. The initial settlements of 1584 were abortive; the few English settlers suffered for lack of provisions, and were unable to form lasting relations with the Native American population. However, success occurred when the ideally situated Chesapeake Bay was found - settlement and trade began forthwith.
The second part discusses the geography of the region: the lay of the land, coastline and resources of the Virginia countryside. The settlers wanted the area to be home to an easily accessible and safe coast, that ships could drop off vital cargoes and settlers with little risk of damage, and carry away the many unique products for trade in Europe. The hunting of wild game and fishing are also discussed, as is foraging for nuts and natural fruits.
In the third part, Beverley turns his focus to the Native American population or Indian peoples. Much was learned from the Indians, and their gracefulness was generally admired by the European settlers. Beverley discusses their marital customs, towns and villages, cuisine and food gathering, their religious and ceremonial practices, how their language was learned by European interpreters, and how they fought in combat.
The fourth and last part of this history discusses Virginia in the early 18th century. The colonies have already been established for decades, and a sophisticated civil government has emerged. The division of land, taxes and public funds are discussed, as is the justice system and influence of the church. The militia of the era are purely defensive, while slaves are owned and put to work in the fields. We are also told how new settlers are admitted, and how land tenure is allocated.
In all, Beverley's history is a comprehensive account of his time, covering more than a century of Virginia's history. The important colonies are described as mature townships, and the tenets of colonial society described, allowing the reader to imagine life in these times.