Compare the three excerpts describing the founding of three of the English colonies.
This is never to be forgotten, that New England is originally a plantation of Religion, not a plantation of Trade. Let merchants . . . remember this. . . . that worldly gain was not the end and design of the people of New England, but Religion.
–"The Cause of God and His People in New England,”
John Higginson, 1662
II. The air is sweet and clear, the heavens serene, like the south parts of France, rarely overcast; and as the woods come by numbers of people to be more cleared, that itself will refine.
III. The waters are generally good, for the rivers and brooks have mostly gravel and stony bottoms, and in number hardly credible. . . .
V. The natural produce of the country, of vegetables, is trees, fruits, plants, flowers.
–William Penn, 1683
Whereas we are credibly informed, that many of our poor subjects are, through misfortunes and want of employment, reduced to great necessity, . . . they would be glad to settle in any of our provinces in America where by cultivating the lands, at present waste and desolate, they might not only gain a comfortable subsistence for themselves and families, but also strengthen our colonies and increase the trade, navigation and wealth of these our realms.
–The Charter of Georgia, 1732
Which statement best sums up the appeal of William Penn’s plea for settlement in Pennsylvania?
There is money to be made from trading with American Indians.
The opportunity to trade with other countries is immense.
The environment is ideal and contains valuable resources.
There is no danger of outside attack here.