Accompanying Papers, 1676-7. 159

altogether unknown unto us and not yet discovered by any
since the beginninge of the Colonie, by the search and true
discoverie whereof the bounds and limmitts of this plantation
may be farr augmented, and such other Comodities found out,
as may be for the benefitt and good of the people inhabiting
in the same. Now Know you that I the said Sir George
Yeardley at the ernest suite and requeste of my welbeloved
friend William Claybourne Esq^re Secretarie of State intending
this Springe to imploy himself with a sufficient Companie of
men in a shallope for discoverie of the Bottome of the Bay of
Chesepeck greatly favoringe and affecting the preservation
and happie success of soe good an accon, doe by these presents
give full power and authority unto him the said William Clay-
bourne to goe and make his voyadge and saile into any the
rivers Creekes ports and havens within the said Bay of Chese-
peiacke or into any other part or parts of this Colonie and
there to trade and truck with the Indians for furrs skinns corne
or any other comodities of what nature or qualitie soever they
be and for the better mannadging and good orderinge of all
matters and occurrences in his said voyadge I do hereby give
full power and authority unto the said William Claybourne to
governe, correct and punnish such of his his said company as
shall offend or be delinquent in anything, according to the
laws and customes of the Sea (life only excepted) and this
commission shall continew in force for and during the tyme of
his said voiadge and retourne from the same. Given at Iames
Citty under my hand and seale of the Colonie the 27^th day of
Aprill. 1627.
George Yeardley

By the Governor and Captaine generall of Virginia.

To all to whom these presents shall come I Iohn Pott Esq^re
Governor and Captaine Generall of Virginia send greeting in
our Lord god everlasting. Whereas there remaine dyvers
places and partes of this Kingdome of Virginia not yett dis-
covered since the beginning of this Colony, by the search and
discovery whereof the bounds and limitte of this plantation
may be far augmented and such other commodities found out
as may be for the benefitt and good of the people inhabiting
in the same. Now know yee that I the said Iohn Pott out of
the good opinion I conceive of the sufficiency and experience
of William Clayborne Esq^re who intendeth this Sommer to
employ himself with a sufficient Company of men a shipp and
other necessary provisions requisite for such a voyage to dis-
cover the parts and territories of this Colony situate and lying
to the Southwards of this place as also of some particular places

P. R. O.

Colonial
Papers.