Edward Cooper's journey to Jamestown Colony

August 17, 1607

Dear Mother,

        How are you? I hope everything is fine back there in England. Did you go to the doctor recently? I hope the bleeding has stopped. Did the medicine work? If it doesn’t work, make sure to find another doctor to consult on the problem because it might be pivotal.

Our ship arrived to the new world, and a comrade named John Smith befriended me. We talked about family, work, and life we had in England. We shared our interest about anthologies of poems, and books. During our conversations, I noticed that he speaks in a concise manner, and makes people listen to him with an invisible force. I conjectured that he must have been a nobleman of high rank in England to have spoken in such an educated manner. And his elegant disposition gives him this noble aura that makes people respect him.

        After a few days settling down in the New World which we now call the Virginia Colony, the demand of food soon became imperative. My slaves had barely enough to eat, and I soon realized that they cannot be my pivot forever; I had to depend on myself.  

        One day, when I met John I asked him if he also had the lack of food. He gritted his teeth and stated that the reason why this is happening is because of the arrogance that noblemen have and how they rebuff the idea of working in the fields, and many people have already starved to death.

        Soon after that, John decided to make a spontaneous speech in front of everyone right after mealtime, wishing to inform everyone of their situation and convince the noblemen to work. Most of us agreed on his concept, which made him our leader since then. The motto “He who does not work, does not eat” created by him was prevalent in our colony.

        John managed the colony and it became well-organized and prosperous. By supporting his idea on the first place, John wanted to recommend me to the House of Burgesses. However, there were plenty of jealous colonists that disagreed with that. Guile, trickery, deception, lies, were all used despicably. I hope this does not end in tragedy. Mother, if you were here, you would know how to console me right now; every time I think of you, it makes me homesick.

Love from your son,

Edward Cooper