Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Williams, Edward (fl.1650)
WILLIAMS, EDWARD (fl. 1650), was the author of an early descriptive work on Virginia. The book, which was entitled ‘Virgo Triumphans, or Virginia truly valued,’ was published in London in 1650, 4to. A second edition appeared the same year with the addition of a chapter on the ‘Discovery of Silk-worms,’ which last was also published separately, with a dedication to the Virginia merchants. The second edition was reprinted in volume iii. of Force's ‘Tracts,’ Washington, 1844. It is doubtful whether Williams ever visited the country which he extolled so highly; indeed his ignorance of the geography of its coast led him to formulate schemes of advancement not promising of fulfilment.
[Williams's Works; North American Review, 1815, i. 1–5; Allibone's Dict. of English Lit.]