The Vision of Freedom in the Settlement of America*

Abstract

IT IS THE GOODLIEST and most pleasing Territorie of World, for Continent is of a huge and unknown greatness. Richard Hakluyt, first great press agent of discovery, penned those lines in 1 5 8 5. Within half a century great tide of migration to North was in full swing. I looked other day at some advertisements which proclaimed availability of American lands. still was a new product in 1600 and this copy was intended to bring hopeful and ambitious artisans to new world. There were in those days no inhibitions upon copywriter. His layout was bad, his typography atrocious. His vocabulary and spelling were some times original but his words carried conviction. one of these, William Penn described attractive land in America which had been settled upon him by King. another conditions for new planters in Territories of His Royal Highness, Duke of York were set forth in glowing terms. Notably customers were assured that In all Territories of His Royal Highness, Liberty of Conscience is allowed, Provided such Liberty is not converted to licentiousness, or disturbance of others. . And there seems something almost prophetic in assurance that the several townships have liberty to make their peculiar laws. .. Let us look at advertisements that lured settlers to Old Dominion. Among these 17th Century documents you will find 17th Century perspective. John Streater in 165 5 printed for Giles Calvert at BlackSpread Eagle at West end of Pauls a tract for silk industry. His method, as this excerpt showed, was different and even more labor-saving than viscose and acetate processes of silk producers of modern Virginia. Nevertheless workers of Richmond, Waynesboro, Covington and Roanoke-or of Parkersburg and Nitro in West Virginia-may find parallel in this ringing copy of Mr. Streater: