Answer. Mighty and destructive, by that severe act of parliament which excludes us the having any commerce with any nation in Europe but our own.[105] [Navigation Acts of 1660, 1663] ... Besides this, we cannot procure any skillfull men for our now hopefull commodity, silk; for it is not lawfull for us to carry a pipestave or a barrel of corn to any place in Europe out of the king's dominions.[106] If this were for his majesty's service or the good of his subjects, we should not repine, whatever our sufferings ... but on my soul, it is the contrary for both. And this is the cause why no small or great vessels are built here;[107] for we are most obedient to all laws, whilst the New England-men break through, and trade to any place that their interests lead them.
20. What advantages ... do you observe that may be gained to your trade or navigation?
Answer. None, unless we had liberty to transport our pipe staves, timber and corn to other places besides the king's dominions.
21. What rates and duties are charged and payable upon any goods exported out of your plantation, whither of your own growth or manufacture, or otherwise, as also upon goods imported?
Answer. No goods, either exported or imported, pay any the least duties here, only two shillings the hogshead on tobacco exported, which is to defray all public charges; and this year we could not get an account of more than fifteen thousand hogsheads, out of which the king allows me a thousand yearly, with which I must maintain the part of my place, and one hundred intervening charges that cannot be put to public account. And I can knowingly affirm, that there is no government of ten years settlement, but has thrice as much allowed him. But I am supported by my hopes, that his gracious majesty will one day consider me.
22. What revenues doe or may arise to his majesty within your government, and of what nature is it; by whom is the same collected, and how answered and accounted to his majesty?
Answer. There is no revenue arising to his majesty but out of the quit-rents; and this he hath given away to a deserving servant, Col. Henry Norwood.
23. What course is taken about the instructing the people, within your government in the christian religion ...?
Answer. The same course that is taken in England out of towns; every man according to his ability instructing his children. We have fforty eight parishes, and our ministers are well paid, and by my consent should be better if they would pray oftener and preach less. But of all other commodities, so of this, the worst are sent us, and we had few that we could boast of, since the persicution in Cromwell's tiranny drove divers worthy men hither. But, I thank God, there are no free schools nor printing, and I hope we shall not have these hundred years; for learning has brought disobedience, and heresy, and sects into the world, and printing has divulged them, and libels against the best government. God keep us from both!