Seventeenth Century Objects Found at Jamestown
These articles were found during archeological excavations at Jamestown. Left to right from the upper corner these are: an early wine bottle, graffito slipware pitcher, stoneware mug, plaster ornament, clay pipe, iron key, brass spigot, perfume bottle, glass goblet, silver spoon, bone-handle knife, iron "H" hinge, delftware dish, graffito slipware plate, Dutch fireplace tile, and iron hoe.

18. THE END OF THE VIRGINIA COMPANY

FOR a number of years before 1624 there was definite dissatisfaction with the policies and work of the Virginia Company of London. The movement gained momentum in England and in Virginia. This agitation culminated in the revocation of the company charter in 1624. With this Virginia became a royal colony directly under the Crown.

It was on August 26, 1624, that King James I issued a statement setting forth the dissolution.

And whereas our Commissioners after much care and paines expended in execucion of our said Commissioners did certifie us that our subjects and people sent to enhabite there and to plant themselves in that Country were most of them by Gods visitacions sicknes of bodie famine and by massacres of them by the native savages of the land dead and deceased and those that were living of them lived in necessitie and want and in danger by the savages but the Country for anie thing that appeared to the said Commissioners to the contr[ar]y they conceaved to be fruitfull and healthfull after our people had bin sometyme there, And that if industry were used it would produce divers good and staple comodities though in the sixteene yeares government past it had yealded fewe or none, And that this neglecte they conceaved must fall on the governors and companie here whoe had power to direct the plantacions . . . But because the said Treasurer and Companie did not submit their charters to be reformed our proceedings therein were stayed for a tyme untill uppon a quo warranto brought and a legall and judiciall proceeding therin by due course of laws the said charters were and nowe are and stand avoyded, and because wee were and are still resolved to proceed unto the perfecting of that worke which wee have begunne for the good of the said plantacion by a newe Charter to be made in such manner as shalbe found most fitt and convenient . . .

COMMISSION TO SIR FRANCIS WYATT, GOVERNOR.
AUGUST 26, 1624.

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