On March 12, 1655–6, he wrote from Nevis to Sedgwick in Jamaica: MAJOR SEDGWICKE, SIR, his highnes undeserved and unexpected favours he hath bin pleased to throw some of them uppon my self wherein hee hath in some particulars declared his highnes designe concerning Jamaica and made mee an instrument to declaire it to the people of this colloni; so likewise I have declaired it to my adjacent nighbours, and caused his proclamations to bee published; and I find in this island the greatest part of the inhabitants, with their wives, children and servants, are willing and ready to accept his highnes termes, laid downe in his highnes proclamation. There is onely wanting transportation for them and theires. What provission his highnes intends to make when his fleete comes (which wee are informed wee may daily expect) I know not; but in case there bee not, if by you and the others, that are intrusted in those great affaires of his highness, to send them shipping for theire transportation, and such provissions as they intend to carry with them may effect it, the which I leave to your grave considerations. Sir, the number of men in a moneth’s time, which is of this place, may arrise neere to one thousand, besides women children and slaves. Sir, other islands are forward, if they may but have a convenient transport, and some man impowered to treat with the governours about them, concerninge some small debts, or other small engagements, which paradventure may bee some cause of stoppidge to them therein, which to further his highnes designe may be composed with his power. Sir, bee pleased to give mee leave, to publish to yourself, I am in my hart his highnes faithful servant, yours and all his. Sir, I pray God direct you in all your highnes designes and bee your wisdome and directions, and all God’s people in theire lawfull imployes. Sir Your servant, L. STOKES, Major. Sedgwick probably only received this letter a few weeks before his death, which occurred on May 24, 1656. Vice-Admiral Goodson wrote home to the Admiralty Commissioners from on board the _Torrington_ at Jamaica on June 24: Upon notice given from Governor Stokes of himself and the people of Nevis their intention to transplant themselves hither, dispatched three ships for their transport, and 4th June a vessel arrived from the Governor with three gentlemen to treat with us concerning shipping and to view the country. Afterwards fitted out a small vessel to carry back our resolutions of sending ships for about 1000 people besides women, children and servants. On September 23 he wrote that he had been informed by Wm. Simons, master of the _Peter_ of Bristol, which had put in at Barbados, that: