THE PROVIDENCE ISLAND EXPERIMENT began in a spirit of renewal in 1636 following the providential repulse of the first Spanish attack on the little colony and the company's receipt of letters of reprisal. Captain Robert Hunt, Lord Brooke's protege and a godly man, was selected to replace Governor Philip Bell. Whereas Bell's experience was largely West Indian, Hunt had served with Protestant forces in the Netherlands and at the siege of La Rochelle. Careful plans were laid for the orderly handing over of power and the stifling of those elements that had proved so unruly. At the same time, company members took on the responsibility of creating a large new joint stock to supply the plantation.

Captain Hunt made his acceptance of the governorship contingent on his taking some godly company with him, particularly Mr. John Francis, Mr. Matthew Downes, and a Mr. Knight. Francis, a man “eminent in religion and versed in Arms,” was designated commander of Trippett's Fort, now renamed Brooke Fort, and made responsible for training colonists on the north side of the island. He, Downes, and Mr. Frederick Johnson, who also went in 1636, were to be added to the council, of which Johnson was to be secretary. Knight was encouraged to emigrate by the personal testimony of former planters who attended the company meeting. Although Knight was “much commended” by Hunt, the investors, “being informed that he was naturally passionate and plyable” as well as inexperienced, declined to make him lieutenant of Fort Henry under Captain Rous. The entire council was to assemble to greet the new governor when he landed and to witness the publication of his commission.