But notwithstanding this terrible massacre in which nearly four hundred persons were slain the colony increased in wealth and numbers as plantations were laid out and the colonists developed the various resources of the country. From the first planting of tobacco in Virginia by the colony it seemed to meet the royal displeasure of King James the First who falsely and frivolously sought to establish a connection between the balmy plant, and the influences of the Evil One. In 1622 King James still opposing the cultivation of tobacco sought by every means in his power to discourage its growth and culture. He urged the growing of mulberry trees and the propagation of silk worms, as being of more value than tobacco. In a letter dated 10th June 1622, addressed to the Governor and Council of Virginia by the London Company we find this reproof for neglecting the cultivation of "mulberrie trees": "His Ma{tie} (Majesty) above all things requires from us a proof of silke; sharply reproving the neglect thereof, wherefore we pray you lett that little stock you have be carefully improved, the mulberrie trees preserved and increased, and all other fitt preparations made for, God willing before Christmas you shall receive from us one hundred ounces of Silkworme seed at least, which coming too late from Valentia we have been forced to hatch it here." In 1623 a letter was prepared for the colony by order of privy council of the king and addressed to Sir Francis Wyatt Knight and Captain General of Virginia and to the rest of the Council of State in which the colony is admonished to pay more attention to "Staple Commodities." That part relating to it reads: "The carefull and diligent prosecution of Staple Commodities which we promist; we above all things pray you to performe so as we may have speedily the real proof of your cares and endeavors therein, especially in that of Iron, of Vines and Silk the neglect and delay whereof so long is to us here cause of infinit grief and discontent, especially in regard of his Majesties just resentment therein that his Royall grace and love to the Plantation, which after so long a time and long a supply of his Majesties favor hath brought forth no better fruit than Tobacco.