I heard the
letters read. Sir George Yeardley's petition to be released from the
governorship of Virginia is granted, but he will remain in office
until the new Governor, Sir Francis Wyatt, can arrive in Virginia.
The Company is out of favor. The King hath sent Sir Edwyn
Sandys to the Tower. My Lord Warwick waxeth greater every day.
The very life of the Company dependeth upon the pleasure of the
King, and it may not defy him. You are to be taken into custody
within six hours of the reading of the letter, to be kept straitly until
the sailing of the Santa Teresa, and to be sent home aboard of her
in irons. The lady is to go also, with all honor, and with women to
attend her. Upon reaching London, you are to be sent to the Tower,
the lady to Whitehall. The Court of High Commission will take the
matter under consideration at once. My Lord of Southampton
writes that, because of the urgent entreaty of Sir George Yeardley,
he will do for you all that lieth in his power, but that if you prove
not yourself conformable, there will be little that any can do."
"When will the marshal be here?" I demanded.
"Directly. The Governor was sending for him when I left the
window. Master Rolfe spoke vehemently for you, and would have
left the Council to come to you; but the Governor, swearing that
the Company should not be betrayed by its officers, constrained
him to remain.
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