USA > Virginia > The history of Virginia, from its earliest settlement to the present time > Part 10
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During the interregnum, Virginia regulated her own commerce by acts of independent legis- lation. She opened her ports to all foreign ships, on the payment of no higher duty than was levied on English vessels bound to a foreign port; she entertained proposals of peace and commerce with New Netherlands ; and extended, by special statute, to every Christian nation at peace with England, a promise of liberty to trade and equal justice.
Upon the restoration of Charles II., the latter sent Berkeley a new commission, with leave to re- turn to England, and power to appoint a deputy in his absence. Leaving Colonel Francis Mor- rison deputy-governor, Berkeley set sail, and was received by the king with great kindness. The attachment of Charles to the most loyal of his colonies is well known. Tradition states, that in compliment to the province of Virginia, he wore at his coronation a robe made of the silk sent from thence ; but the affection of the restored monarch never subsequently displayed itself in any more substantial manner.
While Berkeley was absent, Colonel Morrison, acting under the instructions of his superior, re-
166
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [1661.
vised the laws of Virginia, and compiled them into one body, ready to be confirmed by the assembly on his return. By these laws the church of England was recognised as the esta. blished religion ; the change of the government sustained, trade and manufactures encouraged, a town projected, and all Indian affairs settled.
The parishes were likewise regulated. Com- petent allowances of about eighty pounds a year, besides glebes and perquisites, were made to ministers. Their method of preferment was also adjusted, convenient churches and glebes were provided, and all necessary parish officers instituted. Some steps were also made toward establishing a free school and a college, and all the poor were effectually provided for.
For the support of the government, the duty of two shillings on each hogshead of tobacco, and one shilling on every ton of shipping, was made perpetual, and the collectors rendered responsible for the same to the general assembly.
For the encouragement of manufactures, boun- ties were offered for the best pieces of linen and woollen cloth, and fifty pounds of tobacco were offered for each pound of silk. All persons were enjoined to plant mulberry trees in proportion to the number of acres they held. Tanneries were erected in each county at the county charge, and public encouragement given to a salt-work on the eastern shore. A bounty was also offered
167
JAMESTOWN.
1662.]
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in proportion to tonnage for all ships built in the province, which were also to be exempted from all the customary fees and duties.
CHAPTER XIV.
Jamestown in 1662-Increase of nonconformists-Persecution of-Their migration from Virginia-Projected massacre --- Its opportune discovery-The prosperity of the province checked by injurious English laws-Futile attempts of the assembly to remedy the evil-An exploring party cross the Blue Ridge-Growing difficulties-Change in the political condition of the Virginians-Statistics of the province in 1671-Oppressed situation of the poorer planters-Magnifi- cent vagaries of Charles II .- Agents sent to England-Popu- lar disturbances-Descent of the Seneca Indians upon the Susquehannas-Outrages committed on the frontiers by the latter-Six chiefs treacherously murdered-Sanguinary re- taliation-Arming of the Virginians-Berkeley reprobates war -Nathaniel Bacon -His condition and character- Marches against the Indians.
ON his return from England in the latter part of the year 1662, Berkeley prevailed upon the assembly to pass an act for the improvement of Jamestown, which had dwindled into an insignifi- cant village. Seventeen houses were accordingly erected therein at the expense of the several counties, who were allowed to impress labourers for the work at established rates. Every private person who built a house within the limits of the city was entitled to receive, as a bonus, from the public treasury, ten thousand pounds of tobacco.
168
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [1663.
All persons who consented to become citizens of the town were to be privileged from arrest for two years; all ships trading to Virginia were ordered to go to Jamestown and enter their car- goes before they broke bulk; and all tobacco made in the three neighbouring counties was directed to be brought to the same point and stored for shipment.
These regulations were soon found impractica- ble, and the assembly gave permission to such ships as were bound to the York, Rappahannock, and Potomac Rivers, to ride dispersed and anchor wherever it was found most convenient. James- town accordingly was but little increased in population under the new law which had been passed for its especial benefit, and for many years afterward consisted of but thirty-two brick houses, most of which were converted into taverns and other places of entertainment.
In 1663, the number of nonconformists in- creasing rapidly, the assembly, in order to check what it considered a growing evil, enacted that all who refused, " out of averseness to the ortho- dox established religion, or the new-fangled con- ceits of their own heretical inventions, to have their children baptized by the lawful minister, should be subjected to a fine of two thousand pounds of tobacco."
Other restraints and penalties, equally severe, being imposed upon those who could not in con-
1663.]
CONSPIRACY. 169
science conform to the doctrines of the church of England, many of them migrated into the neighbouring colonies, while others settled on the banks of the Chowan, where a few immigrants of the same persuasion had laid the foundation of what was subsequently to be known as the province of North Carolina.
This rigorous religious persecution, joined to the extremely low price of the staple commodity, tobacco, occasioned the poorer class of people to break out into loud murmurs against the govern- ment, and led to the formation of a conspiracy among the indented servants, some of whom had been soldiers under Cromwell. These lat- ter, depending upon the malcontent citizens for assistance, arranged a plot to murder their mas- ters and the colonial officers, and then to take upon themselves the government of the province.
The evening of the 13th of September was designated for the massacre ; but upon the night of the 12th, a man by the name of Birkenhead, who was servant to a Mr. Smith of Purton, in Gloucester county, betrayed his accomplices.
Tidings of the discovery were immediately sent to Governor Berkeley, who ordered a party of militia to proceed at once to Poplar Spring, near Purton, which was the appointed rendezvous of the conspirators, and having secreted themselves to seize the miscreants as they came singly up. This scheme was successful only in part; a few
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170
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [1663.
of the earlier comers were taken prisoners, but others, making their escape, informed those who were behind, and the full extent of the conspiracy never becoming perfectly known, was doubtless much magnified.
For a time, the alarm growing out of the dis- covery of this plot was very great in Virginia. The assembly appointed a thanksgiving to be observed annually on the 13th of September. A guard was ordered for the protection of the go- vernor and council, and a fort built at James- town, upon which several small pieces of cannon were mounted.
By an act of the English Parliament which went into operation during this year, all foreign goods intended for the colonies must first be landed in England, and be sent thence in English vessels. Under this act the English merchant obtained the entire control of the tobacco raised in Virginia ; which, for want of any competition, he could purchase at his own valuation, while the Virginians were compelled to take such European goods as they required, in exchange, at any price the merchant might choose to ask.
To remedy this, the assembly endeavoured to raise the price of tobacco, by omitting to plant it for a year or more. But in order to render the scheme effectual, it was necessary to obtain the consent of Maryland to a similar restriction.
After much negotiation, the latter province, in
171
EXPLORING PARTY.
1666.]
1666, passed an act ordering no tobacco to be planted for one year ; but Lord Baltimore would not consent to its going into operation. Several other attempts were made to carry out a similar treaty, both with Maryland and the new province of Carolina, but they all proved abortive in the end.
The first exploring party that ever crossed the Blue Ridge was sent out from Virginia, by Berkeley, during this year. It consisted of four- teen Virginians, and as many Indians, the whole detachment being placed under the command of Captain Batt.
The party set out from Appomattox, and after a march of seven days reached the foot of the mountains. Those they first approached were neither high nor steep, but after they passed the first ridge, they encountered others which were so perpendicular, and so full of precipices, that it was with great difficutly they could travel three miles in a direct line in a whole day's march. In other places they found large level plains, dotted with groups of trees, and abounding with the deer, the elk, and the buffalo, so tame and gentle that they showed no fear at the appearance of the men, but would suffer them to approach within a few feet of them before they would change their quarters. After crossing other mountains, the exploring party came to a fine river, the stream of which they followed several days, until they came to old fields and cabins where the Indians
172
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [1670.
had lately been. Batt left some toys in the de- serted cabins, as an evidence of friendly feeling, and was about to continue his journey when his Indian allies refused to venture any farther.
They said, that not far off from that place, was a tribe of Indians which made salt, and sold it to the neighbouring savages; that this tribe was numerous and powerful, and never suffered any strangers to return after they had once entered their towns.
Finding the Indians resolute in their determi- nation not to incur any more risk by prolonging the adventure, Captain Batt was compelled to return to the province, with all his high-wrought hopes of discovery frustrated.
The report of Batt to Governor Berkeley stımu- lated the latter to attempt the journey in person, but his preparations were defeated by growing difficulties within the province.
Notwithstanding the loyalty of the Virginians, the restoration of Charles II. had proved fatal to many of their most cherished rights and privi- leges. The authority of the crown was recog- nised in the choice of the governor and council ; the justices of peace, who exercised the power of levying county taxes, received their appoint- ment directly from the governor ; the burgesses, previously elected every two years by universal suffrage, legislated themselves into an indefinite continuance of power; and finally, in 1670,
173
HER CONDITION.
1671.]
although the system of direct taxation bore upon all freemen with a like equality, the assembly restricted the right of a voice in the election of burgesses to such only as were housekeepers and freeholders.
In 1671, the entire population of Virginia was estimated at forty thousand persons. Of this num- ber, two thousand were negro slaves, and six thou- sand white indented apprentices. Of the latter, some fifteen hundred, mostly English, were import- ed annually. Of tobacco, the staple commodity, the quantity exported during the previous year was between fifteen and twenty thousand hogs- heads, weighing three hundred and fifty pounds each. The ships trading to the province num- bered some eighty. The executive consisted of the governor and fifteen councillors, subordi- nate to the assembly ; the latter having full au- thority to levy such taxes as the exigencies of the province required. " We have forty-eight parishes," adds Berkeley, from whose letter to the privy council in England this account is taken, "and our ministers are well paid, and by my consent should be better, if they would pray oftener, and preach less." A little farther on, he thanks God there are neither schools nor printing-offices in the province, and hopes there will be none for a hundred years to come.
The poorer freemen of the province bore up under their various grievances and restrictions
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174
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [1673.
for several years, but with a gradually increasing impatience. The price of tobacco was extremely low, while the cost of foreign commodities had been enhanced; the taxes, bearing upon rich and poor alike, were oppressively unequal ; while the franchise, a right which they had cherished so long, had become limited in its operation. The high wages which the burgesses had voted them- selves, together with the cost of maintaining forts which were of little or no service, were also pro- lific sources of complaint. But all these evils of local origin were as nothing compared to the alarm into which the province was thrown by the magnificent vagaries of Charles II., its beloved sovereign.
His first freak was to give to one Colonel Norwood, for a term of years, the royal quit- rents, instead of applying them to the benefit of the colony. His next, to grant to the Earl of St. Albans, Lord Culpepper, and others, the whole northern neck of Virginia; that is, the peninsula between the Rappahanock and the Potomac Rivers, without even excepting the plantations already settled there.
Finally, in 1673, the whole province was as- signed, for thirty-one years, to Lords Culpepper and Arlington, including all quitrents, escheats, the power to grant lands, and to erect new coun- ties ; the presentation to new churches, and the nomination of sheriffs, escheators, and surveyors.
175
DISSATISFACTION.
1674.]
The nature of this assignment did not become known in the province until the following year. It was no sooner understood, however, than the whole people resolved to remonstrate. The as- sembly met, and after drawing up an address to his majesty, complaining of the grant as deroga- tory to previous charters and privileges, despatch- ed three agents to England to solicit a modifica- tion of the grant, or to purchase it up for the benefit of the province.
To defray the charge of these agents, the as- sembly imposed upon the colonists-besides the ordinary taxes-a tax of one hundred pounds of tobacco per head, to be collected in two annual instalments, and amerced every unsuccessful suitor in the provincial courts, in a fine, ranging from thirty to seventy pounds of tobacco.
These taxes and amercements fell heaviest upon the poorer class of people, the profits of whose labour had scarcely been sufficient, in ordi- nary times, to feed and clothe their families. In 1674, the public dissatisfaction had broken out into popular disturbances, which were, however, speedily suppressed by a proclamation of the governor, aided by the calmer counsels of influen-
cial persons. But although quiet was thus re- stored, it was only for a brief season. Mere words were not sufficient to relieve positive suf- fering, and the people felt that their hardships still continued. Nor were many of the wealthier
176
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [1674.
colonists insensible of the political change which the province had of late years undergone. They too looked back regretfully to former days of freedom and prosperity, and were ready to seize on any occasion which should offer them a fa- vourable opportunity of asserting their ancient privileges. Time soon brought the occasion, and, with'it, a leader around whom all classes of free- men could rally in a common cause.
During the year 1674, the Seneca Indians left their northern hunting-grounds, and precipitating themselves upon the Susquehannas, forced the latter to fall back on the borders of Maryland and Virginia. Several murders occurring in 1675, within the limits of Virginia, were retali- ated upon the savages by the militia of the fron- tiers. War was declared, and as Maryland was at the time most seriously threatened, she received aid from the Virginia planters residing in the vici- nity of the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers.
These planters were commanded by John Washington, the great-grandfather of George Washington, a farmer settled in Westmoreland county, who had immigrated from England to Virginia some eighteen years before.
Having formed a junction with the Maryland- ers, the united forces attacked a fort of the Sus- quehannas on the north side of the Potomac, and-provoked, perhaps, by previous outrages- slew, in the heat of passion, six Indian chiefs
177
INDIAN WAR.
1674.]
who were sent out by the besieged to treat of peace. It was a treacherous act, and met with deserved reprobation. The leader of the Mary- land militia was arrested by order of both houses of assembly, and narrowly escaped with his life; while Berkeley indignantly declared, " If they had killed my father and my mother, and all my friends, yet if they had come to treat of peace, they ought to have gone in peace."
After a desperate resistance the fort was taken, but the savages that escaped revenged the deaths of their slaughtered messengers by sacrificing ten colonists to each chief thus wan- tonly slain.
When this sanguinary retaliation was accom- plished, they once more offered to treat for peace. But the passions of the Virginians were now fully aroused, and peace was refused. Berkeley himself, holding the monopoly of the beaver trade in Virginia, was inclined to favour the Indians. He was charged with being in- fluenced more by his avarice than the safety of the province.
At this juncture, the tributary Indians, who had faithfully observed their treaty stipulations for thirty years, commenced a series of outrages upon the settlers. The people clamoured loudly for permission to defend themselves, and fixed upon Nathaniel Bacon for their leader.
Bacon was a young and wealthy planter.
178
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [1675.
scarcely thirty years of age, gifted with fine talents and an eloquent address. He had been educated in England, where he studied law in the Temple. On his return to Virginia he was called to a seat in the council, but being popularly in- clined was no favourite with Berkeley, whose royalist and arbitrary tendencies gained strength with his advancing age. But the liberal opinions which lost Bacòn the good graces of the gover- nor gained him numerous friends among the peo- ple, who already began to look upon him as the champion of their cause. Dissensions arose in the council, and the vacillating conduct of the government at this juncture threw upon it the contempt of all who believed that the safety of the province required prompt and decisive action.
Bacon, after sending in vain to Jamestown for authority to organize an expedition against the Indians, asserted openly, that if another white man was murdered, he would take upon himself the authority which the people were desirous to confer, but which the government would neither grant nor refuse. Tidings were soon brought that some of Bacon's own men had been killed by the Indians on his plantation near the falls of the James River. Five hundred Virginians immediately flew to arms, and without waiting any longer for authority from Jamestown, Bacon placed himself at their head, and commenced his march against the enemy.
179
DEPARTURE OF BACON.
1676.]
CHAPTER XV.
Departure of Bacon-Berkeley commands him to return and disperse his followers-Bacon attacks an Indian fort and car- ries it by storm-Is pursued by Berkeley-Disturbances in the lower counties-Dissolution of the old assembly-A new assembly called-Bacon elected a burgess-Is arrested by order of the governor-Temporary reconciliation-Bacon appointed commander-in-chief-Jealousy of Berkeley-Re- fuses Bacon a commission-Five hundred men march into Jamestown-Berkeley submits-Retires to Gloucester coun- ty-Proclaims Bacon a rebel-Bacon issues writs for a con- vention of the people-Berkeley retreats to Accomac- Raises an army and sails for Jamestown-Bacon marches against him-The governor deserted by his troops-Triun- phant progress of Bacon-His death-Violent proceedings of Berkeley-Thomas Hansford and others hanged-Death of Berkeley.
THE departure of Bacon was quickly made known to Berkeley. Irritated at finding his au- thority treated with contempt, the old governor issued a proclamation depriving Bacon of his seat in council, and commanding his followers to return to their homes. Such as feared the for- feiture of their estates obeyed, and Bacon was left to continue his march with only fifty-seven men. After penetrating the wilderness until his . provisions were nearly exhausted, Bacon reached the vicinity of a fort of friendly Indians, from whom he offered to purchase such stores as the half famished condition of his men most
180
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [1676.
imperatively required. The Indians readily promised to supply his wants, but for three days afterward delayed to fulfil their agreement. His food being entirely exhausted, and suspecting the garrison to be acting under secret advice from the governor, Bacon placed himself at the head of his followers, waded the deep stream flowing in front of the fort, and entreating the savages to furnish his men with food, tendered, at the same time, full payment for all that should be brought him.
While he was thus earnestly negotiating, a shot from the bank he had just quitted killed one of his men. His resolution was instantly taken. Fearful of an attack in the rear, he fired the palisades, stormed and burnt the fort and cabins, and with the loss of only three men, slew one hundred and fifty Indians.
In the mean time, Berkeley, instigated to ex- treme measures by the aristocratic faction in the province, levied troops and marched in pursuit of Bacon, but was soon compelled to retrace his steps.
To relieve their friend from the danger with which he was threatened, Drummond and Law- erence, both gentlemen of liberal principles, and of the highest standing in the community, fo- mented an insurrection in the lower counties. The people met by beat of drum, declared forts an intolerable nuisance, and giving vent to their
181
BACON ARRESTED.
1676.]
long-pent-up hatred of the imperious assembly, demanded its dissolution. Berkeley, unable to contend against the popular voice, was compelled to submit. The assembly was dissolved ; writs for a new election were issued; and Bacon, returning in triumph from his brief Indian campaign, was unanimously elected a burgess from his own county of Henrico.
Conscious of the danger he was likely to incur by proceeding to Jamestown alone, Bacon de- scended the river in a sloop, accompanied by forty armed followers. Thus protected, he wait- ed on the governor and council for the purpose of justifying the course he had pursued. Being refused a hearing, he indignantly returned to his sloop and set sail for Henrico.
A longboat, filled with men, was immediately despatched to intercept him. Shots being fired, he exchanged the sloop for a small skiff, and re- treated with greater speed up the river. Berke- ley, however, had sent swift messengers, over- land, to the ships lying at Sandy Point ; and Bacon, finding his retreat cut off, surrendered to the summons of the sheriff, and with twenty of his followers was conveyed a prisoner to James- town.
But though the popular and patriotic young leader was now placed completely in his power, Berkeley did not dare to punish him with severity. The new assembly, which met in June, 1676, con-
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182
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [1676.
tained many burgesses who had espoused the liberal views of Bacon, and were diligently bent upon restoring those rights and privileges of which they had been deprived for several years.
The passionate old governor was induced to concede a pardon to the insurgents; while Bacon, moved thereto, perhaps, by the entreaties of his uncle-whose next heir he was-humbled himself before the assembly, and asked forgiveness of the past on the promise of future obedience.
By this means, and by the intervention of friends, a temporary reconciliation was effected with Berkeley, and Bacon was restored to his seat in council. The assembly appointed him soon after commander-in-chief, and the governor consented to sign his commission. The people were greatly rejoiced. It looked like the dawn of a happier day. The darling of their hopes had but stooped to conquer. The principles of Bacon rapidly gained ground, and many acts were passed by which much of the ancient free- dom was restored.
Berkeley regarded these doings with a jealous eye. The particular pains taken by the assembly to redress old grievances was by no means pala- table to him.
The activity of Lawrence and Drummond, both members of the assembly, was particularly ob- noxious. He characterized them openly as rogues, and bade the burgesses beware of them; bade
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