House of Burgess Wordly Wise

Alejandro Guerrero Guerrero 1

Mrs.Meadows/Mrs.Rees 

English G/H

18 September 2011

1609

Dear Isabel,

Today was the election for the House of Burgesses. I had never imagined that I would be chosen or even asked to represent the people of Virginia. Even though I do own land I thought that they would ask one of the Royalty or John Smith. Let me tell you how it all started:

I was walking to the town center, clad in my coat since the month of January is quite cold. As I approached, my friends called me into the church. Once there, they surprised me and told me that they had appointed me to the House. They said that this was a very spontaneous decision, but that I was the best candidate . At first I rebuffed  their offer but they said that it was imperative that I accept and not let this grand opportunity pass me by. I worried about the kids and who would look over the tobacco fields now that my friend John and I had been planting a great amount of crop. After a moment of silence I reluctantly accepted

We headed towards the second town hall to meet up with the other representatives. Once we arrived I was shocked. Standing right in front of me was George. He is my least favorite man in the colony; he is a guile man who’s disposition is brusque and arrogant. Fortunately, George 

                                                                                         Guerrero 2

was the only man that I disliked in the House of Burgesses, actually I derived from my good friend Jack that he bought his way into his position, so I hope that the House doesn’t turn into a constant feud. However I am happy that John Smith was also elected,since he virtually saved us from dying in that harsh first winter with his motto: “he who does not work does not eat”.

Soon after the first meeting came into order, the first issue was discussed, which was how we should distribute the earnings from tobacco and how much should go back to the Motherland. Some Burgesses said that there should be 10% tax and that 40% of our earnings should go back to the England. George said that we shouldn’t give any of our earnings to the Motherland, can you believe him! Hopefully the other Burgesses  soon realized what an ungrateful pig he is. 

I Hope that the colony  gets permission to bring over women soon so that I can see you again as well as all my nephews and nieces. Charles is really looking forward to be able to play with Patrick. Hopefully  I’ll be able to see you soon so that we can catch up on how everybody is doing back in England but so far Virginia is great.

Your loving brother,

Alexander