25 March 1655 - My name is Thomas Smith. I am 22 years of age and hail from Bristol. I am on board the ship Lilly on my way to the colony of Virginia. I have embarked on a journey in search of a better life. I have apprenticed with my uncle John since the age of 14. However, I have often overheard conversations from passersby about life in the colonies (Horn). I have also seen advertisements posted around the city, soliciting for those who are willing to go (Advertisement). I do not know much about the colonies but the stories I have heard have raised my interest. I do not have much to pay for my passage, so, I have sold my services to an agent without my uncle’s knowledge. I was told that my contract will be sold to someone who needs my labor. I wanted to sign up as a blacksmith but I was told that the colony need farm hands to work on the tobacco fields. Since I was only an apprentice I could not negotiate a far better contract. It is not ideal but this will have to do. I was told that once I serve my term that I could freely pursue my personal goals. Some of the passengers on the ship told me that majority of the farmers earned their land after serving their time as servants. Some of them became large planters and even entered colonial government (Reich, p. 67). I am not sure if I will pursue farming after my freedom but hearing how some servants became successful at least gives me hope of success of my own.
14 May 1655 - As of this writing, it has been 54 days since we left England. I could not wait another day as the conditions on this ship are beyond what a human should endure. Food and water rations were very measly. Yesterday alone I was given three biscuits and had to share three pints of water with five other passengers. (Baker)
30 July 1655 - It has been 6 weeks since my arrival in Jamestown. I am recovering from an illness that my master referred to as “summer seasoning”. I am thankful that I am alive today as another servant...