On this day, after the conversation with Master Hunt, all was
changed. Captain Smith began his duties as guardian and director
of the village by causing it to be proclaimed through the mouth of
Nicholas Skot, our drummer, that there would be no more playing at
bowls in the streets of Jamestown while it was necessary that very
much work should be performed, and this spoken notice also stated,
that whosoever dared to disobey the command should straightway be
clapped into the stocks.
DISAGREEABLE MEASURES OF DISCIPLINE
Lest there should be any question as to whether my master intended
to carry out this threat or no, William Laxon, one of the carpenters,
was forthwith set to work building stocks in front of the tent where
lived Master Ratcliffe, the new President of the Council. Nor was
this the only change disagreeable to our gentlemen, which Captain
Smith brought about. No sooner had Nicholas Skot proclaimed the order
that whosoever played at bowls should be set in the stocks, than
he was commanded to turn about and announce with all the strength
of his lungs, so that every one in the village might hear and
understand, that those who would not work should not have whatsoever
to eat.
Pages:
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82