The inconveniences that have happened to some persons

Lest you think the little things don’t matter, that they don’t add up –

The Inconveniences that have happened to some persons which have transported themselves from England to Virginia, without provisions necessary to sustaine themselves, hath greatly hindered the Progresse of that Noble Plantation: For prevention of the like disorders hereafter, that no man suffer either through ignorance or misinformation; it is thought requisite to publish this short Declaration: wherein is contayned a particular of such necessaries, as either private Families or single persons shall have cause to furnish themselves with, for their better support at their first landing in Virginia; whereby also greater numbers may receive in part directions how to provide themselves.

This informational sheet was created in 1622 by the Virginia Company for Englishmen who were considering making the journey across the Atlantic to the new colony. (To see it at a larger size, click here – or visit this website to see it written out in an easier-on-the-eyes format!) A poorly-provisioned settler was a drain on the colony – every little bit listed on this sheet was important to the survival of all. This reproduction of the broadsheet is found at the Mayflower II‘s dockside exhibit, reminding us how much was required of those making the journey to this new world and new life.

Happy Thanksgiving.