:•;■ : ;;: ':;:■■■■<:■'■;? ■' ■ :•• ■ IIH iv ;■.".■:■;. ; . m : INTRODUCTION TO THE HISTORY OF THE COLONY AND ANCIENT DOMINION OF VIRGINIA. BY CHARLES CAMPBELL IN ONE VOLUME. RICHMOND: B. B. MINOR, PUBLISHER. MDCCCXLV1I. ENTERED, according- to Act of Congress, in the year 1847, By CHARLES CAMPBELL, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, in and for the Eastern District of Virginia. WM. MACFARI.ANE, PRINTER. S. L. MESSENGER OFFICE. HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. CHAPTER I. 1492-1591. Early voyages of Discovery ; Madoc ; The Northmen ; Co- lumbus; John Cabot; Sebastian Cabot ; Sir Humphrey Gilbert; Walter Raleigh; Expedition of Amidas and Barlow; They land on Wococon Island; They return to England ; The new country named Virginia; Gren- ville's Expedition; Colony of Roanoke; Lane Govern- or ; The Colony abandoned ; Tobacco ; Grenville returns to Virginia; Leaves a small Colony at Roanoke; Sir Walter Raleigh sends out another Expedition ; City ol Raleigh Chartered; White Governor; Roanoke found deserted ; Virginia Dare, first child born in the Colony ; White returns for supplies; The Aimada; Raleigh as- signs the Colony to a Company ; White returns to Vir- ginia ; Finds the Colony extinct; Death of Sir Richard Grenville. The discoveries attributed to Madoc, the Welsh prince, have afforded a theme for the creations of poetry ; those of the Northmen of Iceland, better authenticated, still engage the dim researches of antiquarian curiosity. The glory of having made the first certain discovery of the New World, belongs to Co- lumbus. It was, however, the good fortune of the Cabots, to be the first who actually reached the main hind. It was in 1492, that the Genoese navigator fust landed on the shores of St. Salvador. [1497.] Giovanni Gaboto, in English, John Cabot, a Venetian merchant, resident at Bristol, with his son, Sebastian, a native of that city, having ob- tained a patent from Henry VII., sailed un- der his flag and discovered the main conti- nent of America, amid the inhospitable rigors of the wintry North. It was more than a year subsequent, thai Columbus, in his third voyage, set his foot on the mam land of the South. [1498. J Sebastian Cabot again cross- ed the Atlantic, and coasted from the 58th degree of North latitude, along the shores of the United States, perhaps as far as to the Southern boundary of Maryland. Portuguese, French and Spanish naviga- tors now visited North America, with what motives, adventures and success, it is not necessary to relate here. [1583.] Sir Hum- phrey Gilbert, commissioned by Queen Eliz- abeth and assisted by his half-brother, Wal- ter Raleigh, fitted out a small fleet and made a voyage to Newfoundland, where he landed and took formal possession of the country. This intrepid navigator embarking to return in the Squirrel, a vessel of only ten tons, was lost in a storm. When last seen by the com- pany of the Hind, Sir Humphrey, although surrounded by imminent perils, was seated calmly on deck, with a book in his hand, and was heard to exclaim, " Be of good cheer, my friends, it is as near to Heaven by sea as by land." Not daunted by the fate of his heroic kins- man, Raleigh persisted in the design of ef- fecting a settlement in America, and being now high in the Queen's favor, obtained let- ters patent for that purpose, dated March 2.3th, 1584. Aided by some gentlemen and mer- chants, particularly by his gallant kinsmen, Sir Richard Grenville, and Mr. William San- derson who had married his niece. Raleigh succeeded in providing two small vessels. These were put under command of Captains Philip Amidas and Arthur Barlow. Barlow had already served with distinction under Raleigh in Ireland. The two vessels left the Thames on the 27th v of April, 1584. Pursu- ing the old circuitous route by the Canaries, they reached the West Indies. After a shorl stay there, they sailed North, and early in July, as they approached the coast of Florida, the mariners were regaled with the odors of a thousand flowers wafted from the fragrant shore. Amidas and Barlow, passing one hundred and twenty miles farther, landed on the island of Wococon, ' in the stormy re- ■ See in " Memorials of North Carolina," by .1 Seawell Jones, a graphic description "I ibis island, and of the cir- cumstances of the landing there. This writer, v\ ho evinces HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. I. gion of Cape Hatteras, one of a long series of narrow, low, sandy islands, which seem like breast-works to defend the main land from the fury of the ocean. The English took possession of the country in the Queen's name. The valleys were wooded with tall cedars, overrun with vines hung in rich fes- toons, the grapes clustering in profusion on the ground and trailing in the sea. For two days no inhabitant was seen ; on the third a canoe with three men approached. One of them was readily persuaded to come aboard, when some presents gained his confidence. Going away he began to fish, and having load- ed his canoe returned, and dividing his cargo into two parts, signified that one was for the ship, the other for the pinnace. On the next day they received a visit from some canoes, in which were forty or fifty men, amongst whom was Granganameo, the King's brother. The King, Wingina, himself lay at his chief town, six miles distant, confined by severe wounds received in a recent battle. Here the English were hospitably entertained by the wife of Granganameo. She was small, pretty and bashful, clothed in a leathern man- tle with the fur turned in ; her long black hair was restrained by a band of white coral ; strings of pearl hung from her ears and reach- ed to her waist. The disposition of the na- tives seemed gentle, their manners easy ; pres- ents and tralfic soon conciliated their good will. The country was called Wingandacoa; the soil was found rich; the air mild and sa- lubrious; the forests abounded with a variety of " sweet-smelling trees" and oaks superior in size to those of England. Fruits, melons, nuts and esculent roots were observed ; the woods were stocked with game and the wa- ters with innumerable fish and wild fowl. Alter having examined as much of the inte- rior as their time would permit, Amidas and Barlow sailed homeward, accompanied by two of the natives, Manteo and VVanchese. Queen Elizabeth, charmed with the glowing descriptions of the new country, which the enthusiastic adventurers gaye her on their return, named it, in allusion to her own state a fine genius, vindicates Ins native Slate, against what he conceived to be the unjust, and arrogant claims of Virginia. His argument would have lost none of its force by the omis- sion <>i the splenetic and invidious remarks in which he indulges. There is no real ground ol jealousy between thesetwo States. The recollections of Sir Walter Raleigh's Colony belong equally to both. of life, Virginia. * Raleigh was shortly af- ter returned to parliament from the county of Devon and about the same period knighted. The Queen granted him also a patent to li- cense the vending of wines throughout the kingdom. Such a monopoly was part of the arbitrary system of that day. Nor was Sir Walter unconscious of its injustice, for when some years afterwards a spirit of resistance to it showed itself in the House of Commons, and a member was warmly inveighing against it, Sir Walter was observed to blush. Yet he voted for the abolition of such monopo- lies, and no one could have made a more munificent use of such emoluments, than he did in carrying out his grand schemes of the discovery and colonization of Virginia. [1585.] He fitted out a fleet of seven ves- sels for that country, and entrusted the com- mand of it to his relative, Sir Richard Gren- ville. This gallant officer had, like the cele- brated Cervantes, shared in the famous battle of Lepanto, and after distinguishing himself by his conduct during the Irish rebellion, had become a conspicuous member of par- liament. Grenville was accompanied by Thomas Candish, or Cavendish, afterwards renowned as a circumnavigator of the globe — Thomas Hariot, a friend of Raleigh and a pro- found mathematician, and John With, an ar- tist, whose pencil supplied materials for the illustration of the works of De Bry and Bev- erley. On the 26th of June, the fleet anchor- ed at Wococon, but the navigation there being found too perilous, they proceeded through Ocracock inlet to the island of Roanoke, (at the mouth of Albemarle Sound,) which they selected as the seat of the Colony. The colonists one hundred and eight in number were landed. Manteo, who had returned with them, had already been sent from Wococon, to announce their arrival to his king, Win- gina. Grenville, accompanied by Lane, Ha- riot, Cavendish and others, explored the coast for eighty miles southward, to the town of Secotan, in the present county of Craven, ♦ Stub's History of Virginia, 11. Tytler's Life of Sir Walter Raleigh: Edit, in Greenbank's Periodical Lib. Bancroft's History of the United States, 1 cap. 1,2,3. Beverley's History of Virginia, B. 1, p. 2. Smith's His- tory of Virginia, B. 1, p. 79-85. Early History of Rhode Island, 179-181. Maz/.ei's account of the early settlement of Virginia in tin 1 commencement of Ins Recherches sur les Etats-Unis abounds in errors. Yet this work was written expressly for the purpose of correcting the errors of other writers. 1585.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 5 North Carolina. During this excursion, the: Indians at a village called Aquascogoc, stole a silver cup. A boat being despatched to reclaim it, the astonished inhabitants fled to the woods, and the English, regardless at once of the dictates of prudence and human- ity, burnt the town and destroyed the stand- ing corn. Grenville in a short time re-em- barked for England with a valuable cargo of skins and furs, and on his voyage captured a rich Spanish prize. Lane now extended his discoveries to the Northward, as far as the town of Chesapeakes, on Elizabeth river, near where Norfolk now stands, and about one hundred and thirty miles from the island of Roanoke. The Chowan river was also explored, and a voyage was made up the Roanoke, then known as the Moratoc. Lane, although a good soldier, seems to have wanted some of the qualities indispensable in the founder of a new plan- tation. The Indians grew more hostile, con- spiracies were entered into for ihe destruc- tion of the whites, and the rash and bloody measures employed to defeat their machina- tions, only aggravated the mischief. The colonists, filled with alarm, became impatient to escape from a scene of so many privations and so much danger. In this critical junc- ture, Sir Francis Drake arrived with a fleet of twenty-three sail. This celebrated navi- gator, returning from a long cruise, in part privateering, in part exploring, anchored near Roanoke, to enquire into the welfare of the plantation of his friend, Sir Walter Raleigh. Drake furnished Lane with vessels and sup- plies amply sufficient to complete the dis- covery of the country and to ensure a safe return home, should that alternative be found necessary. A violent storm raging for four days, dispersed and shattered Drake's lleet and destroyed the vessels that had been as- signed to Lane. The tempest at length sub- siding, Drake generously offered Lane ano- ther ship, with supplies. But the governor, acquiescing in the unanimous desire of the colonists, requested permission for them all to embark in the fleet and return to England. The request Was granted, and thus ended the first actual settlement of the English in Ame- rica. During the year which the Colony had passed at Roanoke. Willi had made drawings from nature illustrative of the appearance and habits of the natives. Hariot had accu- rately observed the soil and productions of tin; country, an account of which he after- \\ ard • published.* He, Lane, and some other of the Colonists had learned from the In- dians the use of a narcotic plant, called by them Uppowoc, by the Europeans, tobacco. The natives smoked it ; sprinkled the dust of it on their fishing weirs, to make them fortu- nate ; burnt it in sacrifices to appease the an- ger of the gods, and scattered it in the air and on the water, to allay the fury of the tem- pest. Lane carried back some tobacco to England, supposed to be the first ever intro- duced into that kingdom. t Sir Walter Ra- leigh by his example soon rendered the use of this seductive leaf fashionable at court. His tobacco-box and pipes were long pre- served in England by the curiosity of anti- quaries. It is related that he made a wager with the Queen, that he could calculate the weight of the smoke evaporated from a pipe- full of tobacco. This he easily won, by first weighing the tobacco and then the ashes, when the queen agreed, that the difference must have gone off in smoke. Upon paying the guineas, Elizabeth gaily remarked, that " she had heard of many workers in the fire, that had turned their gold into smoke, but that Sir Walter was the first that had turned his smoke into gold." Another anecdote is, that a country servant of Raleigh's bringing him a tankard of ale and nut meg into his study, as he was intently reading and smo- king, was so alarmed ;il seeing clouds of smoke issuing from his master's mouth, that he ran down stairs, crying out that Sir Wal- ter was on lire. Sir Walter Raleigh never visited Virginia, although it has been so represented by sev- eral writers. Had he in person undertaken the plantation of the Colony, it would proba- bly have been managed with more prudence and crowned with better success. Drake's lleet had hardly lost sight of the coast before a vessel arrived at Roanoke with supplies for the Colony. Finding it aban- doned she sailed for England. Within a fortnight after, Sir Richard Gren- ville, with three relief vessels, fitted outprin- * " A True Report of the New-foundland of Virginia." The name "t the author is properly Heriot, but II, mot is more commonly used. t Seo Mrs. Thompson's Life of Raleigh, in Appendix. HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. I. cipally by Raleigh, arrived off Virginia. Gren- ville unwilling that the English should lose possession of the country, left fifteen men on the island of Roanoke with provisions for two years. No disappointment could abate the in- domitable resolution of Raleigh. During the ensuing year, 1587, he sent out a new expe- dition of three vessels, to establish a Colony, which he chartered by the name of " The Governor and assistants of the city of Ra- leigh in Virginia.' John White was sent out as Governor with twelve counsellors, and they were directed to establish themselves at the town of Chesapeakes, on Elizabeth River.* Arriving at Roanoke near the end of July, White found the Colony deserted, hu- man bones scattered on the beach, the fort rased, and deer couching in the ruinous cabins, or feeding on the vegetation which had overgrown the floor and crept up the walls. Raleigh's judicious order, instructing White to plant the Colony on the banks of Eliza- beth river, was not carried into effect, owing to the refusal of Ferdinando, the naval offi- cer, to assist in exploring the country for that purpose. An English sailor being slain by the savages, a party was despatched to avenge his death, and by mistake unfortunately killed several of a friendly tribe. Manteo, by Ra- leigh's direction, was christened and created Lord of Roanukc and Dassamonpeake. On the 18th of August, the governor's daughter, Eleanor, wife to Ananias Dare, one of the council, gave birth to a daughter, the first christian child born in the country, and hence named Virginia. Dissensions now arose among the settlers, and although they were not in want of stores, some demanded per- mission to go home ; others violently op- posed : at last, however, all joined iii request- ing the governor to sail for England and re- turn with supplies. To this he reluctantly consented, and leaving Roanoke on the 27th of August, lf)X7, where he left eighty-nine men, seventeen women and eleven children, he arrived in England on the 5th of Novem- ber. I le found the kingdom wholly engross- ed in taking measures of defence against the threatened invasion of the Spanish Armada. Raleigh, Grenville, and Lane, were assisting * Stith, 23. Tytler's Raleigh, 'S3. Bancroft's Hist. U. S. 1., cap. .1- OUy's R..lci-h, 74. Elizabeth in her council of war. The con- juncture was most unpropitious to the inter- ests of the infant Colony. Raleigh never- theless found time even in this portentous crisis of public affairs to despatch White with supplies in two vessels. But the company, running after prizes, encountered privateers, and after a bloody engagement, White's ves- sels were so disabled and plundered as to be obliged to put back to England, whilst it was impossible to refit, owing to the urgency of more important matters. But even after the destruction of the Ar- mada, Sir Walter Raleigh found it impracti- cable to prosecute any further his favorite de- sign of establishing a Colony in Virginia. [1589.] He formed a company of merchants and adventurers and assigned to it his pro- prietary rights.* In this company were Thomas Smith a wealthy London merchant, afterwards knighted, and Richard Hakluyt, Dean of Westminster, and the compiler of a celebrated collection of voyages. Raleigh, at the time of making this assignment, gave a hundred pounds for propagating Christian- ity among the natives of Virginia. After ex- periencing a long series of vexations, difficul- ties and disappointments, he had expended forty thousand pounds in efforts for planting a Colony in America. At length disengaged from this enterprise, he indulged his martial genius, and bent all his energies against the colossal ambition of Spain, who now aspired to overshadow the world. More than another year was suffered to elapse, before While returned to search for the long neglected Colony. He had now been absent from it for three years, and felt the solicitude not only of a governor, but also of a parent. Upon his departure from Roa- noke, it had been concerted between him and the settlers, thai if they should abandon that island for another seat, they should carve the name of the place to which they should re- move, on some conspicuous object, and if they went away in distress, a cross should be carved above the name. Upon his arrival at Roanoke, White found not one of the Colo- nists: — the houses had been dismantled and * " Lo Colonel Richard Bland dans sa dissertation pi cine ilc sens et d'erudilion, sur los droits des Colonies, impri- mee en Virginie en 1766, dil que Raleigh renonca a ses droits et nc parle d' :une exception." Recherches sur les Etats-Unis, (by Mazzei,) v. 1., p. 9. 1591.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. a fort erected ; goods had been buried in the earth and in part disinterred and scattered ; — on a post within the tort the word croa- tan was carved without, however, a cross above it. The weather proving stormy, seven of the company were lost by the capsizing of a boat, the stock of provisions grew short, and no further search was then made for the unfor- tunate Colonists. None of them ever was found, and whether they perished by famine or by the Indian tomahawk, was left a subject of mournful conjecture. The site of the Col- ony was unfortunate, being difficult of access and near the stormy Cape Hatteras, whose very name is synonymous with danger and shipwreck. Thus after many nobly planned but unhappily conducted expeditions, and enormous expense of life and treasure, the first plantation of Virginia became extinct. [1591.] Sir Richard Grenville fell in a bloody action with a Spanish fleet near the Azores. Mortally wounded, he was removed on board one of the enemy's ships and in two days died. In the hour of his death, he said in the Spanish language to those around him : — " Here I, Richard Grenville, die with a joyous and quiet mind, for that I have ended my life as a true soldier ought to do, fighting for his country, queen, religion and honor, my soul willingly departing from this body, leaving behind the lasting fame of having be- haved as every valiant soldier is in his duty bound to do."* This gallant knight was next to his kinsman, Sir Walter Raleigh, the prin- cipal person concerned in the first settlement of Virginia.! CHAPTER II. 1591—1604. Gosnold's Voyage to New England ; Early Life and Ad- ventures of Captain John Smith ; Born at Willoughby ; At thirteen years of age undertakes to go to sea; At fif- teen apprentice to a merchant ; Visits France ; Studies * Camden, quoted by Barrow in his Life of Sir Francis Drake, 169. The dying words of Grenville may recall to mind those of Campbell's Lochiel : " And leaving in death no blot on my name, Look proudly to heaven from a death-bed of fame." t Stith's Hist, of Va., 29. Tytler's Raleigh, 18. the military art; Serves in the Low countries; Repairs to Scotland ; Returns to Willoughby ; Studies and exer- cises ; adventures in France ; Embarks for Italy ; Thrown into the sea ; His escape ; Joins the Austrians in the war with the Turks; His gallantry ; Combat with three Turks; Made prisoner at Rottenton ; His sufferings and escape ; Voyages and Travels ; Returns to England. [1602.] Captain Bartholomew Gosnold, deviating from the oblique route by the Ca- naries and the West Indies, made a direct voyage in a small bark across the Atlantic, and in seven weeks reached Massachusetts Bay. It was on this occasion, that English- men for the first time landed on the soil of New England. Gosnold returned to Eng- land in a short passage of five weeks. In these early voyages, the heroism of the navi- gators is the more admirable, when we advert to the extremely small burthen of their ves- sels and the imperfection of nautical science at that day. [1606.] Measures were taken in England for planting another Colony, But prelimi- nary to a relation of the settlement of Vir- ginia proper, it is necessary to give some his- tory of Captain John Smith, "the father of the Colony." He was born at Willoughby in Lincoln- shire, England, in 1579, being descended, on his father's side, from an ancient family of Crudley, in Lancashire, on his mother's, from the Rickands at Great Heck, in Yorkshire.* He was educated at the free schools of Al- ford and Louth. At the age of thirteen, his mind being bent upon bold adventures, he sold his satchel, books and all he had, intend- ing to go privately to sea. His father's death occurring just then, prevented the execution of that scheme. Havingbeforelost his mother, he was now left an orphan with a competent estate, which, however, being too young to receive, he little regarded. At fifteen he was bound apprentice to Thomas Scndall of Linn, " the greatest merchant of all those parts." But in a little time, disgusted with the mo- notony of that life, he quit it and accompa- nied a son of Kunl Willoughby to France. There he began to learn the military art, ami afterwards served some years in the Low coun- tries. Thence he embarked for Scotland, with letters recommending him to the notice * Smith's Hist, of Va. I., 1-54. "The Trve Travclls, Adventures and Observations of Captaine lohn Smith." Hillard's Life of Smith in Sparks' American Biography. HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. II. of King James VI. After suffering illness and shipwreck, Smith reached Scotland ; but finding himself without money or means ne- cessary to make himself a courtier, he return- ed to his native place, Willoughby. There, indulging a romantic taste, he built for him- self a lodge in a neighboring forest, where he studied military history and tactics, and amused his leisure with hunting and horse- manship. In this retreat he was visited by an Italian gentleman in the service of the Earl of Lincoln, who persuaded him to re- turn into the world, and he now repaired once more to the Low countries. Having made himself master of horsemanship and the use of arms, Smith resolved to try his for- tune against the Turks. Proceeding to St. Valery, in France, his trunks were plundered by some French gallants, and he was forced to sell his cloak to pay his passage. Wan- dering in France he experienced extraordi- nary vicissitudes of fortune. Walking one day in a forest, worn out with distress and fatigue, he fell prostrate on the ground by the side of a fountain, scarcely hoping ever to rise again. Found in this condition by a humane farmer, his necessities were relieved and he was enabled to pursue his journey. At another time he met in a grove one of the Frenchmen who had robbed him. Without a word on either side they drew their swords and fought. The Frenchman soon fell, but confessing his guilt, Smith, though hurt in the rencontre, spared his life. Aided by the liberality of a former ac- quaintance, "the Earl of Ployer," he went to Marseilles and embarked in a vessel crowded with pilgrims bound for Rome. On the voy- age, the weather proving stormy, the pil- grims, with bitter imprecations against Queen Elizabeth and Smith, cast him as a heretic into the sea, in order to propitiate Heaven. He saved himself by swimming to the islet of St. Mary, (opposite Nice, in Savoy,) which he found inhabited only by a few cattle and goals. On the next day he was taken up by a French ship, the Captain of which proving to be a friend of " the Earl of Ployer," en- tertained him kindly. With him Smith vis- ited Alexandria in Egypt, Scanderoon, the Archipelago, and coast of Greece. During the cruise, a Venetian argosy was captured alter a desperate action, in which Smith dis- played signal courage. He landed in Pied- mont with five hundred sequins and a box of jewels, his share of the prize. In Italy he met with Lord Willoughby and his brother, both recently wounded in a duel. At Rome he saw the Pope, and surveyed the wonders of the imperial city. Embarking at Venice, he crossed over to the wild regions of Alba- nia and Dalmatia. Visiting next Gratz, in Styria, he met there the archduke Ferdinand, and joining a German regiment, engaged in the war with the Turks. At the siege of Olym- pack and of Stowle Wessenburg, in 1601, Smith distinguished himself as a volunteer in the artillery service. For his good con- duct he was put in command of two hun- dred and fifty horse under Count Meldritch. In the Battle of Girke he had a horse killed under him, and was badly wounded. At the siege of Regal he encountered and slew in a tournament three several Turkish champi- ons, Turbashaw, Grualgo, and Bonny Mul- gro. For these exploits he was honored with a triumphal procession, in which the three Turks' heads were borne on lances. A horse richly caparisoned was presented to him with a cimeter and belt worth three hun- dred ducats, and he was promoted to the rank of Major. In the bloody battle of Rot- tenton he was wounded and made prisoner. With such of the prisoners as escaped mas- sacre, he was sold into slavery at Axiopolis and fell into the hands of the Bashaw Bogall, who sent him by way of Adrianople to Con- stantinople, a present to his youthful mis- tress, Charatza Tragabigzanda. Captivated with her prisoner, she treated him tenderly, and to prevent his being sold again, sent him to remain for a time with her brother, the Tymour Bashaw of Nalbritz, in Tartary. He occupied a stone castle near the sea of Azof. Immediately on Smith's arrival his head was shaved, an iron collar rivetted on his neck, and he was clothed in hair-cloth. Here long he suffered cruel bondage. At length one day while threshing in a barn, the Bashaw having cruelly beaten and reviled him, he turned and slew him on the spot with the threshing bat, then put on his clothes, hid his body in the straw, filled a sack with corn, closed the doors, mounted the Bashaw's horse .mil rode oil'. After wandering for some days he fell in with a highway, and observing that the roads leading towards Russia were indi- cated by a cross, he followed that sign, and 1604-7.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 9 in sixteen days reached Ecopolis, a Russian frontier post on the Don. The governor there took off his irons, and lie was kindly treated by him and the lady Callamata. Passing through Russia and Poland, he returned to Transylvania, in December, 1G03. Here he met many friends and enjoyed so much hap- piness, that nothing less than his desire to revisit his native country could have torn him away. Proceeding through Hungary, Mora- via and Bohemia, he went to Leipsic, where he found Prince Sigismund, who gave him fifteen hundred golden ducats to repair his losses. Travelling through Germany, France and Spain, from Gibraltar he sailed for Tan- gier, in Africa, and to the city of Morocco. Taking passage in a French man-of-war, he was present in a terrible sea-fight with two Spanish ships, and after touching at Santa Cruz, Cape Goa and Mogadore, he finally returned to England about the year 1604. CHAPTER III. 1604—1607. Gosnold, Smith and others set on foot another expedition ; James I. issues Letters patent; Instructions for govern- ment of the Colony ; Charter granted to London Com- pany for First Colony of Virginia; Sir Thomas Smith Treasurer ; Government of the Colony ; Three vessels under Newport sail for Virginia; The voyage; Enter Chesapeake Bay; Ascend the James river; The Eng- lish entertained by the Chief of the Quiyoughcohanocks ; Landing at Jamestown ; VVhigfield President ; Smith ex- cluded from the council. Bartholomew Gosnold was the prime mo- ver, and Captain John Smith the chief actor in the settlement of Virginia. Gosnold, * who had already made a voyage to New England, in 1602, for many years fruitlessly labored to set on foot an expedition for that purpose. At length he was reinforced in his efforts by Captain Smith, Edward Maria Wingfield, a merchant, Robert Hunt, a clergyman, and other-, and by their united exertions, certain of the nobility, gentry and merchants be- came interested in the project, and King James the first, who, in 1603, had succeeded Elizabeth, was induced to lend it his coun- tenance, t * Stith, 30. t Smith, Vol. I, p. 149. ipril 10th, 1606, letters patent, were is- sued authorizing the establishment of two Colonies in Virginia and other parts of Amer- ica. All the country from 34 to 45 degrees of North latitude, then known as Virginia, was divided into two colonies, the first, or Southern, and the second, or Northern. The Southern colony was appropriated to Lon- don, and the plantation of it was entrusted to Sir Thomas Gates and Sir George Somcrs, knights, Richard Hackluyt clerk, prebendary of Westminster, Edward Maria Wingfield and gome others. It was provided that the Colony should have a council of its own, subject to a superior council in England. The inferior council was authorized to search for and dig mines, coin money, carry over adventurers and repel intruders. Revenue duties were imposed, the colonists invested with the privileges of English subjects, and the lands granted to settlers in free and com- mon soccage. * On the 20th of November, 1606, instructions were given by the Crown for the government of the two Colonies, di- recting that the council in England should be appointed by the Crowd, the local council by the superior one in England, the local council to choose a President annually from its own body, the Christian religion to be preached, lands to descend as in England, the trial by jury secured in criminal causes, and the coun- cil empowered to determine all civil actions, all produce and goods imported to be stored in magazines, a clerk and treasurer, or Cape Merchant to be appointed for the colony. The stockholders, styled adventurers, were authorized to organize a company for the management, of the business of the colony, and to superintend the proceedings of the local council. The Colonists were enjoined to treat the natives with kindness, and to endeavor by till means to convert them to Christianity. t March 9th, 1607, the gen- eral conned was enlarged and further in- structions given for its government. May 23rd, a charter was granted to the treasurer and company of adventurers for the city of London for the first Colonj of Virginia. To thi^ companj was granted all the land in that part of America called Virginia, from Point Comfort along from the sea-coasl to ■ orthward two hundred miles, and to * llening's Statutes al Large, Vol. I, p. - r 'T. j 1 Hi i. . 67. Stith 30, and Appendix 2. 10 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. III. the Southward two hundred miles up into the land from sea to sea West and North- west. The council in England was authori- zed to establish forms of government for the Colony, and the governor was empowered, in case of rebellion, or mutiny, to enforce mar- tial law, and the oath of supremacy was re- quired to be taken by the Colonists. For the rest, the provisions of the letters patent granted to Sir Thomas Gates were generally re-enacted. * Sir Thomas Smith was ap- pointed Treasurer of the company in Eng- land, and the chief management of their af- fairs was entrusted to him. He was an emi- nent London merchant, had been chief of Sir Walter Raleigh's assignees, was about this time governor of the East India Com- pany, and had been ambassador to Russia, t The frame of government provided for the new Colony was cumbrous and complicated. The legislative and administrative powers were so distributed between the local council, the Crown and the company, as to involve de- lay, uncertainty, conflict and irresponsibility. The Colonists, by the words of the charter, were invested with the rights of English- men ; yet as far as political rights were con- cerned, there being no security provided by which they could be vindicated, they might often prove to be of no more real value than the parchment on which they were written. Yet the government of an infant colony must of necessity be for the most part arbitrary. The political rights of the colonists must for a time lie in abeyance. The civil rights of the Virginia colonists were protected by the trial by .jury, and lands were held by a free tenure. After long delay three vessels were equip- ped for the expedition, one of twenty tons, one of forty, the third of one hundred. They were commanded by Captain Christopher Newport, a navigator experienced in voyages to the New world. Orders were put on board, enclosed in a sealed box, not to be opened until their arrival in Virginia. They sel sad on the 19th of December, 1606, from Black- wall. For six weeks head-winds detained them in the Downs, within view of the Eng- lish coast. During this interval, disorder threatening a mutiny, prevailed among the adventurers. However it was suppressed by * Stit.h, Appendix 8. I lieu., ? Captain John Smith, p. 5 expedition. Envying his superiority, they gave out that he was meditating to usurp the government, murder the council and make himself king ; that his confederates were dispersed in the three vessels, and that divers of them who had revealed it, would now confirm it. Upon these accusations, Smith had been arrested, and had now lain for more than three months under these sus- picions. Newport being about to embark for England, Smith's accusers affected through pity to refer him to the council in England, rather than overwhelm him on the spot, by an exposure of his criminal designs. Smith, however, defied their malice, defeated their machinations, and so bore himself in the whole affair, that all saw his innocency and the malignity of his enemies. Those sub- orned to accuse him, charged his enemies with subornation of perjury. Kendall, the chief of them, was adjudged to pay him two hundred pounds in damages, which, how- ever, Smith at once contributed to the com- mon stock of the colony. During these dis- putes, Hunt, * the chaplain, used his exer- tions to reconcile the parties, and at his in- stance. Smith was admitted into the council on the 14th day of June, and on the next day they all received the communion, t On the 16tli, the Indians sued for peace, and on the 22nd Newport weighed anchor, leaving at Jamestown one hundred settlers with pro- vision for more than three months. Not long after Newport's departure, a fatal sickness began to prevail at Jamestown, en- gendered by the insalubrity of the place, and the scarcity and bad quality of their food. For some time the daily allowance for each man was a pint of damaged wheat, or bar- ley. " Our drinke was water, and our lodg- ings Castles in the a) re." From May to Sep- tember fifty persons, or one half of the Col- ony, died. The rest subsisted upon sturgeon, orcrabs. Wingfield, the President, not con- tent with engrossing the public store of pro- visions, now undertook to escape from the Colony and return to England in the pin- nace. Baseness SO extreme aroused the in- * This exemplary man never returned to England, but how long he survive. 1 m Virginia is not known. Ftis prob- able that Ihe first marriage in the colony was solemnized by him. Hau Its' Narrative, 22. | Smith, Vol. I, p. 153. 1607.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 13 dignation even of the emaciated Colonists. They deposed Wingfield, and put Captain John Ratcliffe in his place Kendall, a con- federate of Wingfield, was displaced from the council. Among the victims to disease was Bartholomew Gosnold, the projector of the expedition — a name worthy to be ranked with Smith and Raleigh. The sick during this calamitous season received the faithful attentions of Thomas Wotton, surgeon-gen- eral. At length their stores were exhausted, the sturgeon gone, all effort abandoned, and an attack from the savages each moment ex- pected, when a benignant Providence put it into the hearts of the Indians to supply the famished Colony with an abundance of fruits and provision. Weak minds in trying scenes pay an in- voluntary homage to superior genius. Rat- clifie, the new President, and Martin, find- ing themselves unpopular and incompetent, entrusted the helm of affairs to Smith. He set the Colonists to work, some to mow, others to build houses and thatch them, him- self always bearing the heaviest task. Tims in a short time habitations were provided for the greater part of them. A church was built at this time. * Smith now embarked in a shallop in quest of supplies. Ignorance of the Indian lan- guage, want of sails for the boat, and appa- rel for the men, and their small force, were great impediments, but did not dishearten Smith. With a crew of six or seven, he went down the river to Kecoughtan, a town of eighteen cabins, t Here he replied to a scornful defiance by a volley of musketry, and capturing their okee, an idol stuffed with moss, painted and hung with copper chains, f so terrified them, that they brought him a sup- ply of venison, turkies, wild-fowl and bread. On his return he discovered the town and country of Warraskoyack, or Warrasqueake. Alter this, in several journeys, he discovered the people of Chickahominy river. During his absence, Wingfield and Kendall seized the pinnace in order to escape to England. Put Smith returning unexpectedly, opened so hot a fire upon them, as compelled them * Stith, vol.1, p. IT". -f Newes from \ irginia, p. 6. t Smith, vol. I, p 15U. to stay or sink. Kendall was tried by a jury, convicted and shot-* Not long after, Rat- cliffe and Captain Gabriel Archer made a similar attempt — and it was foiled by Smith. At the approach of winter the risers of Virginia abounded with wild-fowl, and the English now were well supplied with bread, peas, pumpkins, persimmons, fish and game. But this plenty did not last long, for what Smith carefully provided, the Colonists care- lessly wasted. The council now began to mutter com- plaints against Smith for not discovering the source of the Chickahominy. It was sup- posed that the South Sea lay not far distant, and that a communication with it would be found by some river running from the North West. The Chickahominy flowed in this di- rection, and hence, ludicrous as the idea now ap'pears, the anxiety to trace that river to its '.< • 1. Smith to allay the dissatisfaction of the council, made another voyage up that river and proceeded until it became necessary, in order to pass, to cut away trees which had fallen across the stream. When at last the barge could advance no farther, he moored her in a broad hay out of danger, and leav- ing orders to his men not to venture on shore until his return, with two of his party and two Indians he went higher up in a canoe. He had not been long absent before the men left in the barge went ashore, when one of them George Cassen, was slain by the sava- ges. Smith, in the meanwhile, not suspect- ing this disaster, reached the marshy ground towards the head of the river and went out with his gun to provide food for the party. During his excursion two of his men, Jehu Robinson ami Thomas Entry, were slain, (as he supposed,) while sleeping by the canoe. Smith was himself attacked by a numerous body of Indians, two of whom he killed with a pistol. He protected himself from their arrows by binding his savage guide to his arm with one of his garters and using him as a buckler. Many arrows pierced his clothes, and some slightly wounded him. Endeavor- ■ V wi .-: fi m Virginia, p. 7. Hillard in his I Smith, p. 228, says — "In i • Kendall was slain," t) i it misled hy the expression in i " which action cost the life ol Captaine Kendall." lis the word " m lion" here Smith intendi il h i ' Ban Hillard. 14 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. Chap. IV. ing to reach his canoe, and walking back- wards, with his eye still fixed on his pursuers, he sunk to his waist in an oozy creek, and his savage with him. Nevertheless the In- dians were afraid to approach him, until, be- ing now half-dead with cold, he threw away his arms. Then they drew him forth and led him to the fire, where his two companions were lying dead. Here they chafed his be- numbed limbs, and restored the vital heat. Smith now enquiring for their chief, they pointed him to Opechancanough, King of Pamunkey. Smith presented him a mariner's compass; the vibrations of the needle aston- ished the untutored sons of the forest. In a short time they bound the prisoner to a tree and were about to shoot him, when Opechan- canough holding up the compass, they all laid down their bows and arrows. Then marching in single file, they led Smith, guard- ed by fifteen men, about six miles to Ora- pakes, a hunting town in the upper part of Chickahominy Swamp, and about twelve miles north-east from the falls of James river. This town consisted of thirty or forty houses, built like arbors, and covered with mats. The women and children came forth to meet them, staring in amazement at Smith. * Opechan- canough and his followers performed their military exercises and joined in the war- dance. The captive was confined in a " long house," under a guard of forty men. An enormous quantity of bread and venison was set before him, as if to fatten him for sacri- fice, or because they supposed that a supe- rior being required a proportionate supply of food. An Indian, named Maocassater, who had received some toys from Smith at James- town, now in return brought him a warm gar- ment of fur, — a pleasing instance of grati- tude, a sentiment often found even in the breast of a savage. Another Indian, whose son had been mortally wounded by Smith, made an attempl to kill him in revenge and was only prevented by the interposition of his guards.! Opechancanough now medita- ting an assault upon Jamestown, undertook t<> entice Smith to join him by oilers of life, liberty, land and women. Being now allow- ed to send a message to Jamestown, lie wrote n note on a leaf of ;i hook, giving informa- tion of the intended assault and directing i Ni wes from Va., p. 8. t Newes from Va., p. 9 what means should be employed to strike terror into the messengers, and what presents should be sent. Three men were despatched with the note. They returned with an an- swer and the presents in three days, notwith- standing the rigor of the season, it being the midst of the winter of 1607, remarkable for its severity t and the ground being covered with snow. Opechancanough and his people looked upon their captive as some supernat- ural being, and were filled with new wonder on seeing how the " paper could speake." Abandoning the scheme of attacking James- town, they conducted Smith through the country of the Youghtanunds, Mattapanients, Payanketanks, Nantaughtacunds and Onaw- manients, on the banks of the Rappahannock and Potomac. Thence he was taken back to Pamaunkee, (now Westpoint,) at the junc- tion of the Matapony and Pamunkey — the residence of Opechancanough. Here, for three days, they engaged in infernal orgies and incantations, with a view to divine their captive's secret designs, whether friendly or hostile. They also showed him a bag of gun- powder, which they were keeping 'till the next spring to plant, as it was an article they were desirous to propagate. Smith was kindly entertained by Opitchapan, (Opechan- canough's brother,) who dwelt a little above on the Pamunkey. Finally Smith was taken to Werowocomoco, a favorite seat of Pow- hatan on the York river — then called the Pa- maunkee or Pamunkey. They found this savage emperor in his rude palace, reclining before a fire, on a sort of throne resembling a bedstead covered with mats, and wearing a long robe of raccoon skins. At his head sate a young female and another at his feet. On each side of the house sate the men in rows, on mats, and behind them as many young women, their heads and shoulders painted red, some with their heads adorned with the snowy down of birds, and all wear- ing a necklace of white heads. On Smith's entrance they all raised a terrific yell. The Queen of Appomattock brought him water to wash and another a hunch of feathers for ;i towel. After feasting him, a long consul- tation was held. That ended, two large stones were brought and the one laid on the other before Powhatan ; then as many as could lay hold, seizing, dragged him to the \ Martin's Hist. N. Carolina, [., 61. 1807.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 15 stones, and laying his head on them, snatched ! hunting cabins of Paspahegh ; they reached up their war-clubs, and brandishing them in tli i air, were about to slay him, when Poca- hontas, (Powhatan's favorite daughter,) a girl of only twelve or thirteen years of age, * find- ing all her entreaties unavailing, flew and at the hazard of her life, clasped his head in her arms and Laid her own upon his. The stern heart of Powhatan was touched — he relented and consented that the captive might live to make tomahaws lor him and beads and bells for Pocahontas, t This scene occurred at Werowocomoco, on the North side of York river, in what is now Gloucester county, about twenty-five miles below ihe fork of the river, and " near a bay into which three creeks empty." $ The lapse of time will continually heighten the interest of Werowocomoco, and in ages of the distant future, the traveller will linger at the spot graced with the charms of nature and endeared by recollections of the heroic tenderness of Pocahontas. Within two days after Smith's rescue, Pow- hatan suffered him to return to Jamestown, on condition of sending him two great onus and a grindstone, for which he promised to give him the country of Capahowosick in the neighborhood of Worowocomoco, and for- ever esteem him as his own son Nantaquoud. Smith was accompanied by twelve guides. § On the first night they quartered in some old * Smith, v. 2, p. 30. In Newes from Va., Smith calls her "a child of tenne years old." This was a mistake. t Smith, v. 1, p. 162. % Stith, 53. This writer adds, that " Werowocomoco was nearly opposite the mouth of Queen's creek," which 1 can not help thinking is inaccurate. Smith in Newes from Va., {). 11. says, " thebay when he, | Powhatan,) dwelleth hath in it three creeks." I have visited that pari of Gloucester county and am satisfied that Timber-neck hay is the one referred to by Smith. On the East bank of this bay stands an old chimney, known as " Powhatan's chimney," and its site corresponds exactly with Werowocomoco, as hud down on Smith's map. According to Smith, in Ins Gen'l Hist., p. 1 17, Werowocomoco was situated " about 25 miles" be- low the head of York river. Now, according to Martin's Gazetteer, the York rive r is 39 miles in length, and York town 11 miles from the mouth. Yorktown is by conse- quence 28 miles below the head of the river, and Yorktown being about 1 miles below the "chimney," it is about 21 miles below the head of the river. Jamestown the next morning about sun-rise. During the journey Smith had expected every moment to be put to death. After an ab- sence of seven weeks, he was joyfully wel- comed back by all except Archer and two or three of his confederates. Newport ar- rived that night from England with part of the first supply. Smith now treated the guides kindly, and shewing Rawhunt, a favorite ser- vant of Powhatan, two pieces of cannon and a grindstone, gave him leave to carry them home to his master. A cannon was then loaded with stones and discharged among the boughs of a tree, hung with icicles, when the Indians fled in terror. Upon being persuaded to return, they received presents for Powha- tan, his wives and children and departed. The number of the Colonists was now re- duced to forty. Within five or six days after Smith's return, Jamestown was destroyed by an accidental fire. The houses being thatch- ed with reeds, the flames spread even to the palisades eight or ten yards distant. Arms, bedding, apparel and provisions were con- sumed. " Good Master Hunt, our Preacher, lost all his library and all he had but the clothes on his backe : yet none never heard him repine at his losse. This happened in the winter in that extreame frost 1607." Another attempt of some male-contents to escape in the pinnace was baffled by the prudent en- ergy of Smith. The disastrous fire reduced the Colonists to such want, and exposed them to such hard- ships in the rigors of that winter, as cut off one-half of their number. Pocahontas, how- ever, with her tawny attendants, frequently visited Jamestown with presents of bread, venison and raccoons, sent by Powhatan for Smith and Newport. Without this timely succor, the Colony must have perished by famine. Of the one hundred first settlers, the great- er part were gentlemen, ' some dissolute, some effeminate, and they now suddenly (bund themselves in a remote wilderness en- compassed by want, exposure, fatigue and danger. Newport's arrival at. first cheered <,S Smith, v. 1 , p. l(i.'!. New es from Va., p. 10, has it : " hee sent me home with four men that usually carried m\ gov ne and knapsack aftei me, two other loaded with bread and one to accompanie me." There are several discrepancies between the Gem ral History and Newes from Va., which it is not easy to account for. * See List of the first Planters, Smith, vol. I, p. 153. Of the whole number, 100, 78 are classified, of whom 5i were genth men. 1 carpenters, 12 laborers, a blacksmith, a sailor, a barber, a bri( klayer, a mason, a tailor, a drummer, and a " chirm. 16 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. IV. the unhappy Colony, but its miseries were we not having any use of parliaments, plaises soon aggravated by the delusive rage for gold "There was no talke, no hope, no worke, but dig gold, wash gold, refine gold, loade gold." Smith, not indulging in these empty dreams of imaginary wealth, laughed at their infatuation in loading " such a drunken ship with guilded dust." Newport, not long after his arrival, accom- panied by Smith and thirty or forty picked men, visited Powhatan. Upon their arrival at Werovvocomoco, Smith lauded with twen- ty men. Crossing several creeks on bridges of poles and bark, they were met and es- corted to the town * by Opechancanough, Nontaquaus, Powhatan's son, and two hun- dred warriors. Powhatan was found seated at the farther end of the house on his throne- like bed of mats, his pillow of leather rudely embroidered with pearl and beads. More than forty trays of bread stood without, in rows, on each side of the door. Four or five hundred Indians were present. Some days were passed in feasting, dancing and tra- ding, in which last Powhatan displayed a cu- rious mixture of cunning and pride. Smith gave him a suit of red cloth, a white grey- hound and a hat. Charmed with some blue beads, for one or two pounds of them he gave in exchange two or three hundred bush- els of corn. Newport presented him a boy named Thomas Savage in return for an In- dian named Namontack. Smith acted as in- terpreter. The English next visited Ope- chancanough at his seat, Pamunkey. The blue beads now came to be in great request, and none dared to wear them save the chiefs and their families, f After Newport's return to Jamestown and when about to sail for England, he received a present of twenty turkies from Powhatan, to whom twenty swords were sen! in return. This fowl, peculiar to America, had been many years before' carried to England by some of the early discoverers, t "Captain Newport being ready to sail for England, and * Newes from Virginia, p. 11. t Smith, vol. I, p. 108. t Grahame's Col. Hist. U. S., Amer. Ed., v. 1, p. 28 in note. petitions, admiralls, recorders, interpreters, chronologers, courts of plea, nor justices of peace, sent master Wingfield and Captain Archer home with him, that had ingrossed all those titles, to seeke some better place of imployment." * Newport returned to Eng- land. Ratcliffe, the president, lived in luxu- rious ease, peculating on the public store. Upon the approach of spring, Smith and Scrivener, newly made one of the council, undertook to rebuild Jamestown, repair the palisades, fell trees, prepare the fields, plant corn and erect another church. Captain Nelson at length arrived with the Phoenix, which had been supposed to be lost at sea. She brought the remainder of the first sup- ply, which altogether comprized one hun- dred and twenty settlers. Nelson having found provisions in the West Indies had hus- banded his own, and now imparted them generously to the Colony, so that now there was a store sufficient for half a year, t Smith found it necessary to inflict severe chastisement on some of the Indians and to imprison others, to deter them from stealing arms. Pocahontas " not only for feature, countenance and proportion, much exceed- eth any of the rest of his people, but for wit and spirit the only Nonpareil of his coun- try." Powhatan hearing that some of his people were kept prisoners at Jamestown, sent her with Rawhunt, (who was as remark- able " for deformitie of person, but of a sub- till wit and crafty understanding,") with pres- ents of a deer and bread to procure their ransom. They were released, and the youth- ful embassadress was dismissed with pres- ents | The Phccnix sailed freighted with cedar. Martin returned in her. § * Smith, vol. 1, p. 1G8-9. Chalmers' Political Annals, p. 20. f Smith, v. I., p. 170. On p. 172 is a list of the settlers brought out I • v Newport am! Nelson. *»! the whole num- ber, 120, there were thirty-three gentlemen, twenty-one laborers, (some of these really only footmen,) six tailors, two apothecaries, two jewellers, two gold refiners, two goldsmiths, a gunsmith, a perfumer, a " chirurgeon," a cooper, a tobacco-pipe-maker, and a blacksmith. | Newes from Virginia, p. 17. S S Smith, v. 1, p. 165. 1608.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 17 CHAPTER V. 1G08. Smith's first Exploring Voyage up the Chesapeake Bay ; Smith's Isles; Accomac; Tangier Islands; Wighcoco- moco ; Watkins' Point; Keale's Hill ; Point Ployer ; Watts' Islands; Cuskarawaok river; The Patapsco; Potomac; Quiyough ; Stingray Island ; Smith returns to Jamestown; His second voyage up Chesapeake Bay; The Massawomeks ; The Indians on the river Tock- wogh ; Sasquesahannocks ; Peregrine's Mount; Wil- loughby river ; The Patuxenl , Thi Rappahannock ; The Pianketank ; Elizabeth river; Nansemond river; Re- turn to Jamestown ; The Hudson river discovered. On the second day of June, 1G0S, Smith with a company of fourteen, including Dr. Walter Russel, who had recently arrived, left Jamestown for the purpose of exploring the Chesapeake bay. He embarked in an open barge of less than three tons. Crossing over from Cape Henry to the Eastern Shore, they discovered and named after their comm; " Smith's Isles." At Cape Charles they met grim, athletic savages, with bone-headed spears in their hands. They directed the English to the dwelling-place of the Wero- wance of Accomac, who was found courte- ous and friendly and the handsomest savage they had yet seen. His country was pleas- ant, fertile and intersected by creeks, afford- ing good harbor^ for small craft. The people spoke the language of Powhatan. Smith pursuing his voyage, came upon some unin- habited isles, which were then named after Dr. Russel, surgeon of the party, — but known now as Tangier Islands. * Searching for fresh water, they fell in with the river Wigh- cocomoco, now called Pocomoke. The northern point at the mouth, was called Wat- kins' Point, anda hill on the south side of Po- comoke bay, Keale's 1 1 ill, alter two of the sol- diers in the barge. Leaving thai river they came to a high promontory named Point Plover, in honor of a French nobleman, a fori ner friend of Smith. There they found a pond of hot water, hi a thunder-storm the barge's mast and sail were blown overboard. Narrowly escaping the fury of the elements, they found it necessar} to remain two days on an island, which they named Limbo, but now known as one of Watts' Island.-. Re- pairing the sail with their shit visited * Stith, p. 63. a river on the Eastern Shore, called Cuskara- waok, and now, by a singular transposition of names, called Wighcocomoco. Here the natives ran along the banks in amazement, some climbing to the tops of trees and .-I t- ing their arrows at the strati rers. On the next day. a volley of musquetry dispersed the sav- ages. On the bank of the river, tin 1 English found some cabins, in which they left pieces of copper, beads, bells and looking-glasses. On the next day several thousand men, wo- men and children thronged around the Eng- lish, with many expressions of friendship. These savages were of the tribes Nause, Sarapinagh, Arseek and Nantaquak, of all others the most expert in trade. They wore the finest furs and manufactured a great deal of Roenoke or Indian money. They were people of small stature, like those of Wigh- cocomoco. The Eastern Shore of the bay was found low and well-wooded ; the west- ern well-watered, but hilly ami barren. — the vallies, however, fruitful, but thickly wooded and abounding in deer, wolves, bears and other wild animals. A navigable stream was called. Bolus, from a, parti-colored, gum-like clay found on it s banks. It is now known as the Patapsco. The party having been about a fortnight voyaging in an open boat, fatigued at the oar and subsisting on mouldy bread, now impor- tuned Smith to return to Jamestown. Heat first refused, but shortly after, the sickness of his men and the unfavorable weather com- pelled him to turn back, t where the bay was found nine miles wide, and nine or ten fath- oms deep. On the sixteenth of June, they fell in with the mouth of the Potomac, where it appeared to be seven miles wide. The magnificence of thai majestic river reanima- ted their drooping spirits, and the sick hav- ing now recovered, they agreed to explore" the Potomac. About thirty miles above the mouth, two Indian- conducted them up a small creek towards Nominy. The banks swarmed with thousand.-- of the natives, who, with painted bodies and hideous fells, seem- ed so man) d< tnons let loose from hell. Their noisy were soon silenced by the glancing of the English bullets on the and the report of muskets re-echoing I-. The astonisln d red men drop- * Stilh, p. 61. t Smith, vol. I, p. I - ;::. 18 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. V. ped their bows and arrows, and hostages being exchanged, received the whites kindly. Towards the head of the Potomac they met some canoes laden with bear, deer, and other game, which the savages shared with the English. On their return down the river, Ja- pazaws, king of Potomac, gave them guides to conduct them up the river Quiyough, * in quest of Matchqueon, a mine which they had heard of. They left the Indian hostages in the barge, secured by a small chain, with which they were pleased to be adorned, and which they were to have for their pains. The mine turned out to be worthless. It con- tained a sort of antimony used by the na- tives to paint themselves and their idols. It made "them look like blackamoors dusted over with silver." Newport had taken some bags of it to England as containing silver. The wild animals observed were the beaver, otter, mink, martin and bear; offish they met with great numbers, sometimes lying in such schools near the surface, that in absence of nets they undertook to catch them with a frying pan; — but plenty as they were, it was found that they " were not to be caught with frying pans." The barge running aground at the mouth of the Rappahannock, Smith amused himself " spearing" them with his sword. In taking one from its point it stung him in liie wrist. In a little while the symp- toms proved so alarming that his compan- ions concluded his death to be at hand, and sorrowfully prepared his grave in a neigh- boring island by his directions. But by Dr. Russel's judicious treatment he quickly re- covered and supped that evening upon the offending fish, t This incident gave its name to Stingray Island. The barge returned to Jamestown on the 21st July. Here sickness and discontent were found prevalent. Ratcliffe, the Presi- dent, was deposed in favor of Smith, who of the council was next entitled to succeed. Smith, however, substituted Scrivener in his stead and embarked to complete his discove- ries, t On the 24th of July Smith again set out * Stitli, p. 65, takes this to be Potomac Creek. Japa- zaws lived at the mouth ol it. + This lish was of the ray species, "much ol the fash- ion of a thorn-back, but a long taile like a riding rodde, whereon the middesi is a most poisoned sting of two or three inches long, bearded like a saw on each sale." t Smith, vol. 1, p. 181. for the Chesapeake bay. His company con- sisted of six gentlemen and as many soldiers. Detained some days at Kiquotan, they aston- ished the Indians there by a display of rock- ets. Reaching the head of the bay, they met seven or eight canoes, manned by Massawo- meks, * who presented Smith venison, bear's meat, fish, bows, arrows, clubs, targets and bearskins. On the river Tockwogh, (now Sassafrass,) they came upon an Indian town fortified with a palisade and breast-works. Here men, women and children came forth to welcome the whites with songs and dan- ces, offering them fruits, furs, and whatever they had, spreading mats for them to sit on, and in every way expressing their friendship. They had tomahawks, knives, and pieces of iron and brass, which, as they alleged, they had procured from the Sasquesahan- nocks, a mighty people dwelling two days journey distant on the Susquehannah. t Two interpreters were despatched to invite them to visit the English. In three or four days, sixty of that gigantic people arrived with presents of venison, tobacco-pipes three feet long, baskets, targets, bows and arrows. Five of their chiefs embarked in the barge to cross thi' bay. It was Smith's custom daily to have prayers in the barge with a psalm. The sav- ages were filled with wonder at this, and in their turn commenced a sort of adoration, holding their hands up to the sun and chant- ing a wild and unearthly song. They then embraced Captain Smith, adoring him in the like manner, and overwhelming him with a profusion of presents and abject homage. The highest mountain seen by the Eng- lish to the Northward, they named Pere- grine's mount. Willoughby river derived its name from Captain Smith's native town in England. At the furtherest points of dis- covery crosses were cut in the bark of trees, or brass crosses were left. | The people on the Patuxent were found "very tractable and more civil than any." On the banks of the Rappahannock, Smith and his party were kindly treated by the Moraughtacunds. Here the English met with Mosco, one of the Wighcocomocoes. He was remarkable for a bushy black beard, whereas the savages in * Supposed to lie the same with the Iroquois, or Five N iiions. Suili, p. ti?. i Suckahanna in the Powhatan language signified " wa- ter." Smith, vol. I, |> 147. I Smith, vol. I, |> 183. 1608.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 19 general had little or none. Mosco proved to be of great service to the English in ex- ploring the Rappahannock. Mr. Richard Fetherstone, a gentleman of the company, died during this part of the voyage and was buried on the banks of this river, where a bay was named after him. The river was ex- plored to the falls, (near Fredericksburg,) where a skirmish took place with the Rappa- hannocks. Smith next explored the Pianketank. The natives were for the most part absent hunt- ing ; a few women, and children, and old men were left to tend the corn. Returning thence, the barge encountered a tremendous thunder-storm in Gosnold's bay. Running before the wind, they could only catch fitful glimpses of the land by the flashes of light- ning, which saved them from dashing to pieces on the shore, and directed them to Point Comfort. They next visited Chesa- peake, now Elizabeth river, on which Nor- folk stands. Six or seven miles from the mouth of this river, they came upon two or three cultivated patches and cabins. Next they sailed seven or eight miles up the Nan- semond and found its banks consisting main- ly of oyster-shells. After a skirmish with the Chesapeakes and Nansemonds, Smith procured as much corn as he could carry away. September 7th, 1G08, they arrived at Jamestown. There they found some recov- ered, others still sick, many dead, Ratcliffe, the late President, under arrest for mutiny, the harvest gathered, but the provisions dam- aged by rain. During that summer, Smith with a few men, in a small barge, in his several voyages ol discovery, traversed not less than three thous- and miles. * He had been at Jamestown only three days in three months and had, during this time, explored the whole of the Chesapeake bay and of the .country lying on its shores and made a map of them. [1608.] Captain Henry Hudson, an Eng- lish navigator, in the service of the Dutch, discovered the beautiful river of that name. The Dutch afterwards erected, near its mouth, the cabins of New Amsterdam, the germ of New York. * Smith, vol. 1, p. 191. Chalmers' Political Annals, p. 21. CHAPTER VI. 1608. Smith President ; Affairs at Jamestown ; Newport arrives with the second supply; His instructions; The first English women in Virginia; Smith visits Werowoco- moco ; Entertained by Pocahontas ; His interview with Powhatan ; Coronation of Powhatan ; Newport explores the Monacan country; Smith's discipline; Affairs at Jamestown ; Newport's return ; Smith's letter to the Council; The first Marriage in Virginia; Smith again visits Powhatan. Smith had hitherto declined, but now con- sented to undertake the office of president. Ratcliffe was under arresl for mutiny. The building of the fine house, which he had com- menced for himself in the woods, was dis- continued, the church repaired, the store- house newly covered, magazines for supplies erected, the fort reduced to a pentagon fig- ure, the watch renewed, troops trained and the whole company mustered every Saturday in the plain by the west bulwark, called ■• Smithfield." There sometimes more than a hundred dark-eyed, tawny Indians would stand in amazement, to sec a tile of soldiers batter a tree, where a target was set up to shoot at. Newport now arrived from England with a second supply. He brought out also pres- ents for Powhatan, a bason and ewer, bed, bedstead and suit of scarlet clothes. New- port, upon this voyage, had procured a pri- vate commission, in which be pledged him- self to perform one of three impossibilities, for he engaged not to return without either a lump of gold, a certainty of the South Sea, or one of Sir Waller Raleigh's lost colonists. Newporl broughl also orders to discover the Manakin (originally Monacan) country, and a baro-e construe led so as to be taken to pieces, which they were to carry to the falls to convey them to the South Sea!' The cost of' the voyage was two thousand pounds, and the company ordered that the vessels should he sent hack freighted with cargoes of corresponding value, and threatened, in case of a failure, "thai they should he left in * V.iseo Nunez in 1513, crossing the Isthmus of Darien, from a mountain discovered, on the other side ol the oonti- iii ni, an ocean whi( ii from the direction in which he saw it, took the name of the Sjulh Sea —Ujl'rUun,niedbij 20 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. VI. Virginia as banished men." The company had been deeply incensed by a letter recei\ ! by * Lord Salisbury, Secretary of State, re- porting that the planters intended to divide the country among themselves. It is alto- gether improbable that they had conceived any design of appropriating a country which so few of them were willing to cultivate and from which so many were anxious to escape. The folly of the instructions was only sur- passed by the inhumanity of the threat.! Newport brought over with him Captains Peter Wynne and Richard Waldo, two vete- ran soldiers and valiant gentlemen, Francis West, brother of Lord Delaware, Raleigh Crashaw, Thomas Forest, wish Mrs. Forest and Anne Burras her maid, the first English women that ever set their feet on the Virgi- nia soil, t Some Poles and Germans were sent out to make pitch, tar, glass, .soap, ashes and mills. Waldo and Wynne were admitted into the Council. Ratcliffe was restored to his seat. The time appointed for Powhatan's coro- nation now drawing near, Smith, accompa- nied by Captain Waldo and three others, wenl overland from Jamestown to Werowo- comoco, distant about twelve miles. They crossed the river in an Indian canoe. Upon reaching Werowocomoco, Powhatan being found absent was sent for. In the meantime Smith and his comrades were entertained by Pocahontas and her nymphs. They made a fire in a level field and Smith sate on a mat before it. A hideous noise and shrieking were suddenly heard in the adjoining woods. The English snatched up their arms and sei- zed two or three aged Indians. Put Poca- hontas immediately came and protested to Smith that he might slay her if any surprize was intended, and he was quickly satisfied thai his apprehensions were groundless. Then thirty young women emerged from the woods, all naked save a cincture of green leaves, their bodies painted. Pocahontas wore on her head a beautiful pair of buck's- horns, an otter's skin at her girdle and another on her arm : a quiver huno- on her shoulder ami she held a bow and arrow in * S,r Roberi Cecil. 1 Si ill,, p. 82. " History ol the Revolt of the American Colonies," by George Chalmers, vol. 1, p. 3. Chalmers' Politic. il Ann, lis, |i t Stniih, vol. 1, p. 193. By "Virginia soil" ol course is meant the soil of Virginia / , • her hand. Of the other nymphs, one held a sword, another a club, a third a pot-stick, with the antlers of the deer on their heads and a variety of other savage ornaments. Bursting from the forest like so many fiends with unearthly shrieks, they circled around the fire, singing and dancing. The dance was continued for an hour, when they again retired to the woods. Next they invited Smith to their habitations, where, as soon as he en- tered, they all crowded around, hanging about him, with cries of " love you not me ? — love you not me ?" They then feasted him, some serving, others singing and dancing. Lastly, with torches oflightwood, they escorted him to his lodging. On the next day Powhatan arrived. Smith informed him of the presents that had been sent out for him, restored to him Namontack, who had been taken to England, and invited the emperor, (as he was styled,) to visit Jamestown, to accept the presents, and, with Newport's aid, to revenge himself upon his enemies, the Monacans. He refused to vi- sit Jamestown, saying that he too was a king, hut agreed to wait eight days to receive the presents. As for the Monacans, he avowed that he was able to avenge his grievances himself. In regard to tin 1 salt water beyond the mountains, of which Smith had spoken. Powhatan denied that there was any such, and tlnw lines of those regions on the ground. Smith returned to Jamestown. The presents were sent to Werowocomoco by water, near a hundred miles, while Newport and Smith, with fifty men, proceeded thither by land. * All being assembled at Werowocomoco, the next day was appointed for the corona- tion. The presents were delivered to Pow- hatan — a bason, ewer, bed and furniture ready set up. A scarlet cloak and suit of apparel were with difficulty put upon him, Namontack insisting that it would not hurt him. Strenuous efforts were found neces- sary to make him kneel to receive the crown. At last, by dint of persuasions .and pressing hard upon his shoulders, he was induced re- luctantly to stoop a little. Three of the h then placed the crown on his head. At an appointed signal a volley of musque- irv was bred from the boats, and Powhatan started front bis seat in momentary alarm. He presented his old moccasins and mantle • S nith, vol 1, p. 1 19. Chalmers' Polit. Annals, p. 23. 1608.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 21 to Newport and some corn, bul refused to allow him any guides excepl NTamontack. Newport returned to Jamestown. Shortly afterwards he explored the Monacan country with one hundred and twenty men, com- manded by Captain Waldo, Lieutenant Per- c\. Captain Wynne, Mr. Wesi and Mr. Scriv- ener. Smith with eighty or ninety men, some sick, some feeble, was left at Jamestown. Newport passing by the falls of James river, proceeded forty miles beyond on the South side and returned by the same route. He discovered Massinacak and Mowchemen- chouch. The natives, " the stoics of the woods," evinced neither friendship nor en- mity. The English, out of abundant caution, took one of their chiefs and led him bound at once a hostage and a guide. Upon Newport's return to Jainestown, Smith, the president, set some of the colo- nists to make glass, others to prepare tar, pitch and soap-ashes, while he, in person. conducted thirty of them live miles below the fort, to fell trees and prepare plank. Two of this party were young gentlemen brought out in the last supply. Smith sharing labor and hardship in common with the rest, these woodmen soon became reconciled to the novel task and listened with pleasure to the crashing thunder of the falling trees. But when the axes began to blister their unac- customed hands, oaths were heard reverbe- rating in the forest. Smith taking measures to have the oaths of each one numbered, at night for each offence poured a can of water down the offender's sleeve. This put an end to the profanity. Smith procured a supply of com from the more, was sent back al the same time. Smith addressed a letter to the council in England, exhibiting the folly of expecting a present profitable return from the colony. He sent them also his map of the country, — made with so much exactness, that it has been taken as the groundwork of all succeeding maps of Virginia. ' Not longafter New port's departure. Anne Burras was married at James- town to John Laydon — the first marriage in the colony. Smith, finding the provisions running low, made a voyage to Nansemond, and afterwards went up the James and dis- covered the river and people of Appomat- tock. t Their little corn they gave in ex- change for copper and trinkets. Powhatan sent an invitation to Smith to visit him and a request that he would send men to build him a house and give him a grindstone, fifty swords, some guns, a cock and hen, with much copper and many beads, in return for which he promised to load his vessel with com. Having despatched a party to build the house, J Smith, accompanied by the brave Waldo, set out for Werowocomoco, on the 29th of December, with the pinnace and two barges, manned with forty-six men. Smith went in the barge with six gentlemen and as many soldiers. In the pinnace were Lieut. Percy and Francis West, with a num- ber of gentlemen and soldiers. The little fleet dropping down the James, arrived the first night at Warrasqueake. Thence Sick- lemore, a veteran soldier, was despatched with two Indian guides to the Chowan in quest of Sir Walter Raleigh's lost company and of silk grass. Smith left Samuel Collier, his page, with the chief there, to learn the language. The English were detained by Chickahominy. Upon his return, Newport inclement weather a week at Kecoughtail and Ratcliffe, instigated by jealousy, attempt- and spent the Christmas holidays || among ed to depose him from the presidency, hut he del'eated their schemes. The colony suf- fered much loss at this time from an illicit trade carried on between the sailors of New- port's vessel, dishonesl settlers and the sava- ges. Scrivener, by the aid of Namontack, pro- cured from Werowocomoco a supply of corn and puccoons, a root used in dying. Newport sailed for England, leaving two hundred souls at Jamestown. Ratcliffe, whose real name was found to be Sickle- 1 house built for Powhatan. Smith, vol. I . p. 206. Some mistake here, foi it is sta * Smith, vol. !,p. 197. ted that they left Jamestown on the 29th ol December. * Stith, p. 83. So says this accurate writer. Bul so rough and conjectural a chart is of course in many points inaccurate. f Smith, vol. ]., p. 204. Hillard in his Life of Smith, inadvertently says, that Smith, "accompanied by Captain Waldo, went up ill' li'ii; in t«" barges. The Indi- ans on all sides lb d at tin' sight ol' them till they discover- ed the river and people ol Appomattox." ] The St Chimney, (already referred toon a former page,) with an enormous fire-place, still standing near the mouth of Timber-neck creek in Glouceslei county, called " Powhatan's Chimney" is probably a relic of the 22 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. VII. the natives, feasting on oysters, fish, venison, wild-fowl and good bread. They enjoyed also excellent fires in the dry, smoky cab- ins. While there, two of the party killed one hundred and forty-eight wild-fowl in three shots. At Kiskiack, (now Chescake,) * the sever- ity of the cold again drove the English to shelter themselves in the Indian cabins. On the 12th of January, they reached Werowo- comoco. The York was frozen over near a half mile from the shore. Smith, to lose no time, undertook to break his way through the ice; but the tide ebbing, left the barge aground on a shoal. In this dilemma, although the cold was extreme, Smith, jumping into the icy river, set the example to his men of wad- ing near waist deep to the shore. Quarter- ing in the first cabins they reached, they sent to Powhatan for provision. On the following day he supplied them abundantly with bread, wild turkies and venison. Like Nestor of old, he somewhat extravagantly told Smith that he had seen the death of all his people thrice ; that he was now old and must ere long die ; that his brothers, Opitchapan, Ope- chancanough and Kekataugh, t his two sis- ters and their two daughters were to be his successors. Powhatan deprecated war, and declared, that when he and his people forced to fly, by fear of the English, lay in the woods, exposed to cold and hunger, " if a twig but breake, every one cryeth, there commeth Captaine Smith." At length, how- ever, after a long dialogue, Powhatan still obstinately insisting that the English should lay aside their arms, Smith gave orders pri- vately to his people in the boat to approach and capture him. Discovering their design he fled with his women and children, while his warriors beset the cabin when- Smith was. Willi pistol, sword and target, he rushed out among them and fired; some fell one over another; the rest escaped. Powhatan find- ing himself in Smith's power, to make his peace, sent him by an aged orator a large bracelet and chain of pearl. In the mean- while the savages " goodly well-proportioned fellows, as grim as Divels," carried the corn on their backs down to the boats. The bar- * An tild church, not fai from Yorktown, bears the name of " Chescake," pronounced " < Iheese-cake." I Smith, vol. I, p. '.'(is. Kekataugh is sometimes written Catataugh, as in Stith, p. 87. lies of the English being in the meanwhile lefl aground by the ebb-tide, they were obli- ged to remain 'till the next high-water and accordingly returned ashore to lodge in some Indian cabins. Powhatan and the traitorous Dutchmen now plotted Smith's destruction. But "Pocahontas, his dearest iewell and daugh- ter, in that darke night, came through the irksome woods and told our Captaine great cheare should be sent vs by and by ; but Powhatan and all the power he could make, would after come kill vs all, if they that brought it could not kill vs with our owne weapons, when we were at supper. There- fore if we would Hue, shee wished vs pre- sently to be gone. Such things as she de- lighted in," Smith " would have given her, but with the teares running downe her cheekes, she said she durst not be seene to haue any, for if Powhatan should know it, she were but dead and so shee raune away by herselfe as she came." The attempt to surprise the English was soon made, but Smith forewarn- ed, readily defeated the design. * CHAPTER VII. 1608—1609. Smith visits Pamaunkee; Seizes Opcchancanough ; Loss of Scrivener and his party ; Smith goes back to Wero- wocomoco ; Procures supplies; Returns to Jamestown ; Smith's rencontre with the Chief ofPaspahegh; Affairs of the Colony ; A Fort built there ; " The old Stone House ;" Scarcity at Jamestown ; The Colonists disper- sed to procure subsistence; Tuckahoe root; Smith's discipline; Sicklemore's discoveries ; Chief of the Qui- qoughcohannocks ; The Virginia Company procures a New Charter; Us character ; Lord Delaware appointed Governor; A fleet despatched for Virginia; Gates, So- rners and Newport embark in the Sea-Adventure; She is east, away on the Island of Bermuda ; Seven vessels reach Jamestown ; Disorders thai ensued; Smith arrests the ring-leaders . West with a detachment sent, to the falls; Martin to Nansemond ; Mutinous conduct of the Settlers ; Smith's < fforts to quell them ; He embarks for Jamestown; Accidentally blown up with gun-powder; Arrives at Jamestown ; Violence of the male-contents; Smith embarks foi England ; His character ; Notice of bis Life and Writings. Smith, with Percy and fifteen others, went up to Pamaunkee, (West Point,) at the head of York river. Here they found Opechanca- * Smith, vol. 1, p. 212. 160S-9.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 23 nough's residence, a quarter of a mile back from the river. The chief of the warlike Pa- munkies in a short time arrived, accompanied hy his warriors, armed with bows and arrows. Several hundred of them surrounded the house where the English were. They grow- ing alarmed, Smith exhorted them " to fight like men and not die like sheepe." The treachery of the savages being now manifest, Smith seized Opechancanough by his long lock of hair and with a cocked pistol at his breast, led him trembling in the midsl of his people. Terrified he surrendered his vam- brace, bow and arrows, while his astonished followers threw down their arms. During this time Scrivener, at Jamestown, conceived a design of escaping from the presidency. But starting for Hog Island on a stormy day. in company of Captain Waldo, Anthony Gosnold and eight others, the boat sunk and all were lost. Richard Wyffin un- dertook to carry the intelligence to Smith. Wyffin, at Werowocomoco, was shielded from danger by Pocahontas, who in every emergency still proved herself the guardian angel of the infant colony. Smith releasing Opechancanough now re- turned to Werowocomoco. On the follow- ing morning, a little after sunrise, the fields swarmed with Indians. Smith landed in company of Percy and two others. They were met by Powhatan with two or three hundred men, formed in two half-moons, with some twenty men and many women carrying painted baskets. Discovering on a nearer approach the Eng- lish in their boats with arms in their hands, the savages fled. However, for several ensu- ing days, from all parts of the country within a circle of ten or twelve miles, in the snow they brought on their naked backs provision for Smith's party. The poor Indians on the Mattapony and Pamunkey rivers, gave up the little corn they had, with such lamentations and tears of wo- men and children, as touched the hearts ol the English with compassion. In this expedition Smith, with twenty-live pounds of copper and fifty pounds of iron and some beads, procured in exchange two hundred pounds of deer suet and four hun- dred and seventy-nine bushels of corn. * Shortly after Smith's return, he met the * Smith, vol. 1, p. 220. chief of Paspahegh near Jamestown, and had a rencontre with him. This " most strong stout Salvage," forced Smith into the river in order to drown him. They grappled long in the water, at length Smith grasping him by the throat, well nigh strangled him, and draw- ing his falchion was about to cut oil' his head, when he begged so piteously for his lili\ that Smith spared it and led him prisoner to James- town, where he put him " in chaynes." He was daily visited by his wives and children and people, who brought presents to ransom him. At last he made his escape. Smith sent a party who burnt the chief's house and shortly alter going out himself to " try his conclusions" with the " salvages," slew seven of the Paspaheghs, made as many prisoners, burnt their cabins and carried away their canoes and fishing weirs. A party of the Paspaheghs having surren- dered themselves, one of them, named Okan- ing, made a speech to Smith, in which he justified the escape of their chief from im- prisonment at Jamestown, on the ground that " tin' fishes swim, the foulls fly and the very beasts strive to escape the snare and Hue." A block-house was now built in the neck of the Jamestown peninsula. It was guard- ed by a garrison, who alone were authorized to trade with the Indians, and neither Indi- ans nor whites suffered to pass in or out with- out the president's leave. Thirty or forty- acres of land were planted. The hogs were; kept at Hog Island and increased rapidly. Poultry was raised without the necessity of feeding. A block-house was garrisoned at Hog Island for the purpose of telegraphing shipping, arrived in the river. Capt. Wynne the only surviving councillor now dying, the whole government devolved upon Smith. In- deed he had in effect already held it for some time before, by having two voices in the council. Smith built a fort for a retreat, on a con- venient river, upon a high commanding hill, very hard to be assaulted and easy of defence. But the scarcity of provisions at Jamestown, prevented its completion. * This is probably the structure now known as the "Old Stone House," on Ware creek, a tributary of York river, and in James City county. It stands aboul live mill's from the mouth of the creek x Smith, vol. 1, p. 227. 24 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. VII. and twenty-two from Jamestown. The walls and chimney which remain are of sandstone. This miniature fortress is eighteen and a half feet, by fifteen in size, and consists of a base- ment under ground and one story above. On one side, there is a door-way, six feet wide, giving entrance to both apartments. There are loop-holes in the walls and the masonry is exact. The house stands in a wil- derness, on a high knoll, at the foot of which the creek meanders. It i* one hundred feet above the stream and three hundred back from it. The " Old Stone House" is ap- proached by a long circuitous defile, sur- rounded by gloomy forests and dark ravines, mantled with laurel. It is doubtless the old- est house in Virginia. Its age and wild se- questered situation, have connected with it the fables of an uncertain tradition. The store of provisions at Jamestown was wasted by rats introduced by vessels from ' England. For a time the Indians supplied the Colony with squirrels, turkeys, deer and other game. But at length the want of corn put a stop to the works that were in progress and the Colonists were dispersed abroad to procure subsistence. Sergeant Laxon, with sixty or eighty of them, was sent down the river to live upon oysters; Lieutenant Percy with twenty to find fish at Point Comfort. West, brother of Lord Delaware, with an equal number, repaired to the Falls, where nothing edible was found but acorns. Hith- erto the whole body of the Colonists had been provided for by the courage and industry of thirty or forty. They had lived upon stur- geon and wild fruits. One man could in a day gather enough of the tuckahoe root to supply him with bread for a week. This tockawhonghe, as it is called by Smith, was. in the summer, a chief article of diet among the natives. It grows in marshes like a (lag and is like the potatoe in size and flavor. Raw it is no better than poison, so that the Indians were accustomed lo roast it and eat it mingled with sorel and meal. ' Such was * Si, mli, vol. 1. p. 123. Beverley's Hist, of Va., B. 3., p. 15. (I refer in general to the first edition of I i ' dues not differ materially from ihe second edition published Anno. 1722.) Tin-' re is a remarkable rool found in Virginia, said to grow without stem oi leal and calli d Tuckahoe, and confounded with the flag rool de i ribed above, See Farm- er's Register for April, 1839, and vol. 9., p. 3. Jefferson's Notes on V:i„ i>. 33. Rees' Cyclopaedia Art, Tuckahoe. Hist, of Louisiana by M. I.e. Page Du Pratz, p. 247. Dis- the indolence of the greater number at James- town that it seemed as if they would sooner starve than take the pains to obtain food. At length their mutinous discontents arose to such a pitch that Smith arrested and punished Dyer, chief of the male-contents, and order- ed that whoever failed to provide daily as much food as he should consume should be banished from Jamestown as a drone and a nuisance. Of the two hundred Colonists many were billeted among the Indians, and thus become familiar with their habits and manner of life. * Sicklemore, the soldier who had been despatched to Chowanock, return- ed a iter a fruitless search for Sir Walter Ra- leigh's people. He found the Chowan not large, the county generally overgrown with pines, pemminaw or silk-grass growing here and there. Two messengers were likewise sent to the country of the Mangoags in quest of the lost settlers. These messengers learned that they were all dead. Guides had been supplied by the hospitable chief of the Quiyoughcohanocks, who, of all others, was most friendly to the whites. Although a de- vout worshipper of his own gods he acknowl- edged that they were as inferior to the Eng- lish God in power as the bow and arrow were inferior to the English gun. He often sent presents to Smith begging him to pray to the English God '■ for raine, else his come would perish, for his Gods were angry." The Virginia company, in England, mainly intent on pecuniary gain and quick returns, were now discouraged by the disasters that had befallen the Colony and disappointed in their visionary hopes of the discovery of gold mines and of a passage to the South Sea. They therefore took measures to procure from .lames a new charter abrogating the ex- isting one, and invested them with more ex- tensive powers. Having associated with themselves a numerous body of additional .■stockholders or adventurers, as they were then styled, including many of rank, influ- ence and wealth, they succeeded in obtaining from the king a new charter, dated [May 23, lb'09,] transferring to the corporation sev- eral importanl powers before reserved to the crown. So far the company became more course delivered 181 I by De Wilt Clmi.ni before the Lite- rary and Philosophical Society of New-York, note 32. V leinoni's Report, loo ' * Smith, vol. 1 , i'. 1608-9.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. •25 crown. So far the company became more independent and republican ; but the gov- ernor, under the new system, was indued with arbitrary command, and authorized to declare mania] law, and the condition of the Colonists was worse than before, since even the King's colonial policy was more liberal than that of the company. This sudden re- peal of the former charter displayed a selfish le for the services of Smith and his associates, who, under it, had weathered the toil, privations and dangers of the first set- tlement. The supreme council, in England, now chosen by t lie stockholders, themselves appointed Sir Thomas West, Lord Dela- Governor and Captain General of Vir- ginia, Sir Thomas Gales his Lieutenant, and Sir George ' imiral. Nine ve el were speed ' out and | lied for the Colony, with live hundj rant;. Newport, who was entrusted with command of the squadron, Gates and Somers were severally authorized, whichever of them mighl first reach Jamestown, to supersede the ex- isting administration there, until Lord Del- aware, wlm was not to embark for ^o:ne months, should arrive. This abundant cau- tion defeated itself. Newport and the two knights finding i. impracticable to adjust the point of precedence among themselves, by ■ f compromise embarked together in the same vessel, the Sea- Venture. The squad- ron sailed towards the end of May, [lb'09,] A small s< hooner perished in a hurricane. In the latter part of July, the Sea-Venture, witli Newport, Gates, Somers and one hun- dred and fifty emigrants, was separated from the fleet in a terrible storm and wrecked on the coast of the picturesque island of Ber- mudas. The other seven vessels, shattered by the storm, and having suffered the loss of the greater portion of their supplies, readied Jamestown, [August lb'09.) They brought RatclifFe, whose real name was Sickle- more, who had been remanded by Smith to England on a< count of his mutinous conduct, Martin and Archer, together with sundry other captains and '-divers Gentlemen of good meaner and great parentage," and afoul three hundred more emigrants, the greater proportion of them profligate youths, packed * He was third of that title. The] I 13,) Earl Delaware, John George West, is his lineal descendant. Hubbard's noti ... Bell nap, ' ol 2, p. I Hi, oil' from home "to e ' bro- ken-down gentlemen, bankrupt tradesmen and tin; like. Upon the appearance of the Smith, not expecting such a supply, took them to lie Spaniards and prepared to en- counter them, and th< Indians readily offer- ed their- assistance. Tiie Coiony had already, before the arrival of the fleet, been threatened with anarchy, owing to intelligence ol premature repeal of the charter brought out In ( !apt. A ;• dl. Tie 1 new i migrants had no sooner landed than they involved the Colony in new confusion and misery. Tin 1 factious leaders affecting to insist on the abrogation of the old charier, rejected the authority of Smith, whom they hated, and feared, and un- dertook to usurp the government. Their folly equalled their insolence. "To-day the old Commission must rule, to-morrow the new, tin.' next d: ;" thus, by continual change, plun i all things into anarchy. Smith filled with disgust, would cheerfully have returned to England, " but seeing small hope this new commission would arrive" lie resolved to put an end to these, continual plots, cabals and machinations. Tin 1 ring- leaders, Ratcliffe, Archer, and others, he ar- rested : to cut oil' one source of disturbance he gave permission to Percy, who was . health, to embark for England, ol' \. however, he did not avail hitiis . one hundred and twenty pi. o, was detached to the falls of James river, and Mar- tin, with nearly the same number, to Nanse- mond. Smiih's presidencj having expired about this lime, he had been succeeded by Martin, who, however, conscious of his in- competency, had immediately resigned it to Smith. ' Martin, at Nansemond, seized the chief, and capturing the town, occupied it with his detachment. Here, however, owing to want of judgment or of vigilance, he suf- fered himself to be surprised by the savages, who slew many of his party, rescued their chief and carried off their corn. Martin not long after returned to Jamestown leaving In- detachment to shift for themselves. Smith visiting West's settlement at the falls, found them planted " in a place uoi only subieel to the river's invndation, but round invironed with many intollerable in- * Smith, v. 1, ] i. Grahame's Hist. t". S. Amer. I I 26 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. VII. conueniences." To remedy these, Smith, by a messenger, proposed to purchase from Powhatan his seat of that name, a little low- er down the river. The settlers, however, disdainfully rejected the scheme, and became so mutinous, that Smith landed among them and arrested the chief malecontents. But overpowered by numbers, being backed by only five, he was forced to retire on board of a vessel lying in the river. The Indians daily brought him provisions, in requital for which the English stole their corn, robbed their gardens, beat them, broke into their cabins, and made them prisoners. They complained to Smith that those whom he had sent there as protectors, were worse than their enemies, the Monacans. Smith embarked for James- town. However, he had no sooner ■ ! sail than many of West's people were slain by the savages. And it so happened that before Smith had dropped a mile and a half down the river his vessel ran aground. Making a virtue of necessity, he now summoned the mutineers to a parley, and they were siezed with such a panic on account of the assault of a handful of savages, that they submitted themselves to his mercy. He now again ar- rested the ring-leaders, and established the rest at Powhatan, in the Indian palisade fort, which was so well fortified by poles and bark, as to defy all the savages in Virginia. Dry cabins were also found there, and nearly two hundred acres of ground ready to be planted, and it was called "Nonsuch, as being at once the strongest and most delightful place in the country. Smith now being on the eve of his departure, West's arrival again threw all things aback into confusion. Nonsuch was abandoned and all hands returned to the falls. Smith finding all bis efforts abor- tive, embarked in a boat for Jamestown. Du- ring the voyage, lie was terribly wounded while asleep, by the accidental explosion of a bag of gunpowder. In the paroxysm of pain he leapt into the river and was well nigh drowned before his companions could rescue him- Arriving at Jamestown in this helpless condition, he was again assailed by faction and mutiny. One of his enemies even presented a cocked pistol at him in his bed; but the band wanted the nerve to exe- cute what the hearl was malignant enough to design. Ratcliffe, Archer and their confed- erates laid plans to usurp the government. Smith's old soldiers, fired with indignation at conduct so infamous, begged for permis- sion to strike off their heads. But this he refused, as he did also to surrender the gov- ernment to Percy, * and embarked for Eng- land about Michaelmas, 1609, after a stay of a little more than two years in Virginia, t to which he never returned. Here then closes the career of Captain John Smith in Virginia. He was " the fa- ther of the Colony." and a knight like Bay- ard, " without fear and without reproach." His departure was thus deplored by one of Ids comrades : — " What shall I say but thus ; we lost him that in all his proceedings made Iustice his first guide and experience his sec- ond, even hating basenesse, sloath, pride and indignitic, more then any dangers; that neuer allowed more for himselfe than his souldiers with him; that vpon no danger would send them, where lie would not lead them himselfe : that would never see vs want what he either had, or could by any meanes get vs ; that would rather want then borrow or starue then not pay ; that loued action more then words, and hated falshood and covetousness worse then death; whose ad- ventures were our lines, and whose losse our deaths." | From the period of Smith's departure from Virginia, lor some years little is known of him. [1614.] He made his first voyage to New England. [1615.] After many disap- pointments, sailing in a small bark for that country, after a running light with, and nar- row escape from, two French pirates near Fayal, he was captured near Flores by a half piratical French squadron. Alter long deten- tion, he was carried to Rochelle, in France, and there charged with having burnt Port " Stith censures Smith for refusing to surrender ihe presidency to Percy ; yel he acknowledges that he was in ioo feeble health to control a mutinous colony. Besides anarchy being triumphant in the colony, Smith probably held it idle, il not worse, to appoint a governor over a mob. If, however, Smith acted petulantly in this affair, surely petulance was never more excusable. See Smith, vol. 1, p.239 H). Bancroft, vol. I., p. 138, has inadvertently fallen into an error in this particular. lie says of Smith, "del- egating his authoritj to Percy, he embarked for England." t Smith, vol. ], p. 231. |. Another of his old soldiers said .— " I nevci km '\ it Waniet yel bul thee From wine, Tobacco, debts, dice, oaths so free." [Smith, v i./ 10 r by T. Carlton. Smilh,v.2,Vll. 1608-9.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 27 Royal, in New France, which had been done by Capt. Argall. Smith at length, at the ut- most hazard, escaped from his captors, and being assisted by several of the inhabitants of Rochelle, especially by " Madame Cha- noyes," * he at last returned to England and published, [June, 1616,] his "Description oi New England," written while he was a pris- oner on board of a piratical French ship, in order, as he says, " to keep my perplexed thoughts from too much meditation of my miserable estate." The Plymouth company now conferred upon him the title of Admiral of New England. It was during this year that Pocahontas visited England. After this, Smith never again visited America. [1622.] When the news of the massacre reached England, Smith proposed to come over to Virginia with a proper force to reduce the savages to subjection. This project, how- ever, failed. Captain Smith died at London, [1631,] in the fifty-second year of his age. Although gifted with a person and address of singular fascination, he never married. He was pos- sessed of a competent fortune, if not weal- thy. He never received any recompense for his colonial labors and sacrifices. He spent five years and more than five hundred pounds in the service of Virginia and New England, and yet he complains, " in neither of those two Countries haue I one foot of Land, nor the very house I budded, nor the ground I digged with my owne hands, nor euer any content or satisfaction at all, and though I see ordinarily those two Countries shan d before me, by them that neither haue them nor knowe them but by my descriptions." His "Newesfrom Virginia" appeared [1608.] It is remarkable that this publication con- tained no allusion to his rescue by Poca- hontas. He published, [1612,] "A Map of Virginia, with a description of the countrey, commodities, people, governmenl and reli- gion," &c, and, [1620,] "New England Trial-." [1626.] Appeared his "General! Historic of Vi.-_ ,. : few England, and the Summer Isles," i a greater pari of whii * "Tragabigzanda, Callamata's love, Deare Pocahontas, Madam Shanoi's too, Who di 1 '^li.ii love with modesty could doe." [ Verses, by /.'. /-'.- \hwail, \ !. ] t I have been indebted to a gent.lem n o eountj bM a sight of this old quarto. Tin tj very good. been already published, [1625,] by Purchas in his •• Pilgrims." The second and sixth books of this "Historic" were composed by Smith, the third was compiled by William Simons, " Doctour of Divinitio," and the rest by Smith from about thirty different wri- ters. [1625.] tie published "An Accidence, or the pathway to experience, necessary for all young Seamen," and, [1627,] "A Sea Grammar." [1630.] He gave to the public "The Trve Travels, Adventvres and Obser- vations of Captaine John Smith in Europe, Asia, Africke and America," from 1.593 to 1629. This work, together with the Gen- eral History, was republished by Rev. Dr. John H. Rice, [1819,] at Richmond, Vir- ginia. The copy is complete, excepting some maps and engravings. [1631.] Smith published " Advertisements for the unexpe- rienced planters of New England, or any where," &c, said to be the most elaborate of his productions. The learned, able and ele- gant historian, Grahamc, prefers the writings of Smith on colonization, to those of Lord Bacon. * At the time of his death, Smith was engaged upon a " Historic of the Sea." f mous was he even in his own day, that he complains of some extraordinary passa- ges in his life having been m/s-represented on the stage. CHAPTER VIII. 160S. The Indians of Virginia ; Their form ami features ; Mode of wearing theii hair; Clothing; On iments ; Manner of In ing ; Diet ; Towns and cabins ; Arms am! Implements ; Religion; Medicine; The Seasons; Hunting; Shain- fights ; -Music ; Indian character. The Indians of Virginia w ere tall, erect, and * Grahnme's His-. 1. S., Amcr. I'M, Vol. I, p. 570. ! ',, CO n ludes Ins i ml i it thus .— " 1ml Smith's renown will forth again, ami once more be commensurate with i rt. Ii will grow with the growth of men and let- ters in America; and whoh nations of its admirers have \ ri lo be born." Si ii e the first three chapters <>( tins work were printed, ii nred a i opy ol a m v\ " 1 ,ife ol ( !aptain John Smith," fy W. Gdinore Simins, Esq.,— a fall ami * . I'-.f appi ai ince "I this work, ol Howe's His- torical Collections of Vii inia, and of Howison's History oi Virginia, the first volume of which has rocentb published, arc e\ idenccs '>l a new ly awaki a Geld thai lias heen too long nesh eled. f Millard's Life of Smith in Appendix. 28 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. VIII. well-proportioned, with high cheek bones, eyes dark and brilliant, with a sort of squint, hair dark and straight. The chiefs were dis- tinguished by a long pendent lock. The In- dians had little or no beard. The women were their barbers, " who with two shells will grate away the hayreof any fashion they please." Like all savages, they were fond of toys and tawdry ornaments. The princi- pal garment was a mantle, in winter dressed with the fur, in summer without. But the common sort had scarce any thing to hide their nakedness save grass or leaves, and in summer they all went nearly naked. The females,, however, always wore a cincture around the middle. Some covered them- selves with a mantle of curiously interwoven turkey feathers, pretty and comfortable. The greater part went barefoot ; some wore moc- casons, a rude sandal of buckskin. Some of the women tattooed their skins with grotesque figures. They adorned the ear with pen- dents of copper, or a small living snake, green or yellow, or a dead rat. The head was adorned with a wing of a bird, a large feather, the rattle of a rattle-snake, or the hand of an enemy. They painted the head and shoulder red with the juice of the puc- coon root. The red men duel; for (he most part on the banks of rivers and near springs. The men passed the time in fishing, hunting, war or indolence. Labor they despised and as- signed to the women. They made mats, baskets, pottery, hollowed oul stone mortars, pounded corn, made bread, cooked, planted corn, gal lered it, carried burthens, &c. In- fants they enured lo hardship and expo- sure. "Their fire they kindle presently by chaf- ing a dry pointed sticke in a hole of a little square piece of wood, thai firing itselfe will so lire the mosse, leanes or anv Mich dry tiling that will quickly burne." They subsisted mainly upon fish, game, (he natural fruits of the earth, and com, which they planted. The Tuckahoe root in the summer, was a principal article of diet. Their cooker) was no less rude than their other habits, yet pone and homony have been bor- rowed from them, as also, li is said, the mode of barbecuing meat. The natives did not re- fuse to eat grubs, snakes and tin insecl lo- cust. Their bread was most I j of corn, some- times of wild-oats * or the seed of the sun- flower-. Their salt was only such as could be procured from ashes. They were fond of " roasting-ears" of corn, and one of their festivals was " the green-corn dance." From hickory-nuts pounded in a mortar, they ex- pressed a liquor called Pawcohiccora. The peach-tree was indigenous, and the Indian was not ignorant of the mode of drying the fruit. In their journies they would provide themselves with rockahominy or com parch- ed and reduced to a powder. The Indians dwelt in towns, the cabins slightly built of saplings bent over at th : top and tied together and thatched with reeds or covered with mats or bark, the smoke esca- ping through an aperture at the top. The door, if any, was a pendent mat. They sate on the ground, the better sort on match- coats or mats. Their fortifications consisted of palisades, ten or twelve feet high, some- times encompassing an entire town, some- times a part. Within these enclosures, they preserved with pious care their idols and re- lics and the remains of their chiefs. In hunting and war, they used the bow and arrow, the bow usually of locust, the arrow of reed, or a wand. "To make the notch of his arrow, he hath the tooth of a Beaver, set m a sticke, wherewith he grateth it by de- grees. Tli arrow was winged with a tur- key feather, fastened with glue, extracted from " the velvet horns of a Deer." The ar- row was bended with an arrow-point of stone. These are yet to be found in every part of the country. For knives the red men made use of sharpened reeds or shells, and for axes or hatchets, tomahawks of stone sharpened at both ends, fastened to a handle of wood. They soon, however, procured iron hatchets from the English. Trees they felled by lire. Canoes were made by burning and scraping with shells and tomahawks. Some of their canoes were not less than 40 or .00 feet long. The women made a thread of bark or of the sinews of the deer, or of a kind of grass called Pemminaw. A large pipe, adorned with the wings of a bird, or with beads, was the symbol of friendship, called " the pipe of peace." \ war-council among them was styled a. " Matchacomoco." In war they » li is said, that they jiathi red tins grain, by ] ili, mi c:mors into dm m irslics where n gr< « and shaking iln l)i j nd( d stalks i>\ ci i < ii- ..in.'.'. 1609-11.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 29 relied mainly on surprise and ambuscade ; in the open Held they were timid. Their cru- elty, as usual, was proportionate to their cow- ardice. The Virginia [ndianswere idolaters. Their chief idol, called Okee, represented the spirit of evil, to appease whom they burnl sacrifices. They were greatly under the con- trol of their priests and conjurors. These wore a grotesque dress, performed a variety of divinations, conjurations and enchant- ments, called " Powwowings," after the man- ner of wizards and by their superior cunning and shrewdness and some scanty knowledge of medicine, managed to render themselves objects of veneration and to live upon the labor of others. The superstition of the sav- ages was commensurate with their ignorance. Near the falls of the James, about a mile hack from the river, there were some impressions voyces and gestures, both in charging and kept them within the circle till they were slain : sometimes they were driven into the water and there captured. The Indian hunt- ing alone would stalk behind the skin of a deer. Game being more abundant in the mountain country, the hunting parties repair- ed to the heads of the rivers at tiie proper season. This, perhaps, engendered the ('(in- stant hostilities thai existed between the Pow- hatans of the tide-water region and the Mon- acans on the upper waters of the James and the Mannahoacks at the head of the Rappa- hannock. The Indians were in the habit of exercising themselves in sham-fights. " Vpon the first flight of arrowes, they gaue such horrible shouts and screeches a.- so manyin- fernall hell-hounds could not haue made them more terrible." " All their actions, on a rock, like the footsteps of a giant, be- ing about five feet asunder. These the Indi- ans declared to be the foot-prints of their God. They submitted with fortitude to cruel tortures imposed by their idolatry, especially in the horrid ordeal of Huskanawing. The house in which they kept the Okee, was call- ed Quioccasan, and was surrounded by posts with men's faces ru ' ', ; and painted. Altars for sacrifice were held in great vene- ration. The diseases of the Indians were not numerous : their renu w and sim- ple. Their physic consisted mainly of bark and roots of trees. Sweating was a favorite remedy, and every town was provided with a sweating-house. The patienl isi uing from the heated atmosphere, plunged himself in cold water, after the manner of tl bath. The Indians celebrated certain festivals, by pastimes, games am! songs. The year they divided into five seasons, the budding-time of Spring, roasting-ear time, Summer, the fall of the leaf and Winter, called Cohonk, after the cry of the wild ■_<;{■{■<('. The months they designated by such ej as the Moon of Stags, the corn Mot n, first Moon of Co- honks, &c. Acci i uols on strings, or notches on a tally-slick. The red men engaged in fishing and hunt- ing from their infancy, SO as to become ex- perl am! familiar with the haunts of game and fish. The luggage of the hut ties was borne by women. Deer were taken by surrounding tin in ami building fires, which retiring, were so strained to the height of their qualitie and nature, that the strange- oesse thereof made it seeme very delight- lull." " For their Musicke they vse a thicke cane, on which they pipe us on a Recorder." They had also a rude sort of drum and rat- tles of gourds or pumpkins. The Indians were hospitable ; in their manners easy and composed. The chastity of their women was not held in much value. They were in every thing inconstant, un- less where constrained by fear. " Ciaftie, timorous, quicke of apprehension and very ingenious. Some are of disposition fearfull, some bold, most cautelous, ad! savage." Pas- sionate and malicious, they seldom forgave an injury. They randy stole from one ano- ther, lest their conjurors should reveal it, and they should be punished. The women were " care full not to be suspected of dishonestie Lit leaue of their husbands." CHAPTER IN. 1( ; 0:)— Kill. Condition of the Colon) at the time of Smith's departure ; Lord 15;k 's opinion on the propel materials foi plant- ing a Colony ; Affairs ol the Colony ; Assaults of Indi- ans ; "Starving Time;" Wreck of the Sea Venture; Situation of the English on the island of Bermuda ; • Smith, I!. 2, p. 129- 137. Bi verley, B. 3. The r< adei who is in quest of a fullei account may find it in Drake's Bo 'k of the Indians, Dr. Thatcher's work on the same sub- ject, in' Bancroft, vol. 3, chap. xxii. 30 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. IX. They embark for Virginia; Arrive at Jamestown ; Mis- ery of the Colony; Jamestown abandoned; The Colo- nists meet Lord Delaware's lleet ; Relurn to - Jamestown; Delaware's discipline ; The Church at Jamestown; Sir George Sinners sails for the Bermudas ; His death . .Mis- cellaneous occurrences; Delaware returns to Engl. md. Smith upon sailing for England, left at Jamestown three ships, seven boats, a suffi- cient stock of provision, four hundred and ninety odd settlers, twenty pieces of can- non, three hundred muskets, with other guns, ammunition, pikes, swords, tec, and one hun- dred soldiers well acquainted with the In- dian language and the nature of the country. The colony was provided with fishing nets, working tools, apparel, six mares and a horse, five or six hundred swine, as many hens and chickens, besides some goats and sheep. Jamestown was strongly fortified with palisades and contained fifty or sixty houses. There were besides five or six other forts and plantations. There was only one carpenter in the colony ; three others, how- ever, were learning that trade. There were two blacksmiths and two sailors. The set- tlers were for the mosl part poor gentlemen, serving men, libertines, &c, and with such materials the wonder is that the settlement was effected at all. Lord Bacon says : — " It is a shameful and unblessed tiling to take the scum of people, wicked, condemned men, with whom you plant and not only so, but it spoileth the pi mtation, for they will ever live like rogues and not fall to work, but be lazy and do mischief, spend victuals and be quickly weary.'' Immediately upon Smith's departure, tin? Indians renewed their attacks. Percy for a time administered the government, but it soon tell into the hands of the seditious niale- contents. Provisions growing scarce, West and Ratcliffe embarked in small vessels to procure com. RatclifTe inveigled by Pow- hatan was slain with thirty of his compan- ions, two only escaping, of whom one a boy, Henry Spilman, "a young gentleman well descended," was rescue;! by Pocahon- tas. He afterwards lived many years among the Patawomckes, acquired their Ian and often proved serviceable : interpreter for his countrymen. ' The loss of Captain 1 Smith, vol. 2, p. 2. Bclkn ip, 2, p. 131, calls bun Spel- which is probably correct. He was slam by the savages on the banks ol the Potomac in 1C22. Smith, vol. ', .' ' ' Smith was soon felt by the colonists. They were now continually exposed to the arrow and the tomahawk ; the public store was consumed by the commanders and the sava- ges ; swords and guns were bartered for food with the Indians. By all these evils, within six months after Smith's departure, the num- ber of English in Virginia was reduced from five hundred, to sixty men, women and chil- dren. These found themselves in a misera- ble starving condition, subsisting on roots, herbs, acorns, walnuts, berries and fish. Starch became an article of diet, and even dogs, cats, rats, snakes, toad-stools and the skins of horses. The body of an Indian was disinterred and eaten ; nay, at last the colonists, like famished hyenas, preyed on the dead bodies of each other. And it was even alleged that a husband murdered his wife for a cannibal repast. * Upon his trial, however, it was proved that the cannibalism was feigned to palliate the murder. He was put to death, being burned according to law. This was long remembered as " the starving time." Sir Thomas Smith, the treasurer of the company was bitterly denounced by the sufferers for his neglecting to send the ne- cessary supplies. It seemed as if the threat of abandoning the colony to its fate, was now to be actually carried into effect. But the main supplies had been lostby storm and shipwn ck. It has already been mentioned that the Sea- Venture, with Gates, Soiners, and one hundred and fifty colonists, had been wreck- ed on the coast of Bermudas. Caught in ■■ the tail of a hericano," and overwhelm- ed by the fury of the ocean, the hapless crew after vainly contending for three days and nights with a leak, at length yielded to de- spair. Some sought oblivion of their im- pending fate in intoxication. During all this time, Sir George Somers, seated on the poop, strove to keep toring vessel as it as possible, or else she must have foundered, and at length descried land. All sail being now spread, in a short while the Sea-Venture was lodged between two rocks. Passengers and supplies were landed in safe- ly, and the island which had been looked * Smith, vol. 2, p. 2. Slith, 305, "the happiest day many ever hoped to see, was when the Indians had killed n mare, the people wishing, as she was boiling, that Sir Thomas Smith was upon her lack, in the kettle." See , Hump, vol. '-', p. 10G .. 1609-11.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 31 upon as an enchanted den of Furies, was found to bo ;i paradise, blessed with exqui- site scenery and a voluptuous atmosphere. Fish, fowl, turtle and wild hogs supplied the English with abundanl food : the palmetto leaf furnished a cover for their cabins. They had daily morning and evening prayers, and on Sunday divine service was perforim two sermons preached by the chaplain, ' ter Bucke." Living in the midst of peace and plenty, in this sequestered and delightful is- land, many of the emigrants lost all desire ever to leave it. Gales and Somers, however, [< - romantic, having decked the long boat of the wrecked vessel, with her batches, despi ''Master Raven, a very sufficient mari with eight men to Virginia for succor. The boat was never more beard of. Discord, too, found her way among the exiles of Bermudas. Gates and Somers, the commanders, " lined asunder in this distresse." In the meantime the monotony of life was varied by the birth of two children, the boy called Bermudas, the girl Bermuda, and " amongst all those sor- rows, they had a merry English marriage.' 5 Gates and Somers at length, each of them, completed a cedar vessel, constructed after the manner of Robinson Crusoe. The one was named " The Patience,'" the other " The Deliverance." The bark of Sir George Som- ers was constructed without the use of any iron, save a bolt in her keel. After having spent nine months on the island, they sailed [May 10th, 1610] for Virginia, and in four- teen days reached Jamestown, where they found only sixty miserable colonists surviving. Sir Thomas Gates, on landing, caused the bell to be rung and summoned all to the church, where, after a prayer by Mr. Bucke, the new commission was read, and Percy, the late President, scarcely able to stand, sur- rendered up the old patent and his commis- sion. Having resolved to abandon the coun- try and return to England, they buried their ordnance at the gate of the fort, and on the 7th of June, at beat of drum, the whole com- pany embarked in four pinnaces. Some ol the people were with difficulty restrained from setting lire to the town, but Gates, with a. select company, remained on shore till the rest had embarked, and he was the last that stepped into the boat. Not a tear vva at their departure from a spol i iciated with so much misery. "How near is often the hour of despairto that which affords us the true pledge of the attainment of our most sanguine wishes." ' " Alan's extremity is God's opportunity." At noon they readied Hog island. On the next morning, while anchored oil' Mulberry island, they were met by a long-boat with despatches from Lord Delaware, who had ar- rived with three vessels. Gates returned on the same day to Jamestown. Lord Delaware with his vessels arrived there on the 9th of June. On the morning of the following day his lordship, when he came ashore, fell on his knees in silent devotion. An eye-wit- ness says: "We cast anchor before James Town where we landed, and our much griev- ed Governor, first visiting the church, caused the bell to be rung, at which all such as were aide to come forth of their houses, repayred to church, where our minister, Master Bucke, made a zealous and sorrowfull prayer, finding all things so contrary to our expectations so full of misery and misgovernment." t The hand of Providence was plainly mani- fested in all these circumstances. The arri- val of Sir Thomas Gates rescued the Colony from the jaws of famine; his prudence saved (he fort at Jamestown, which the Colonists, upon abandoning it, desired to destroy, so as to cut off ail possibility of a return ; had their return been longer delayed, the savages might have demolished the fort; had they set sail sooner, they would probably have missed Lord Delaware's fleet, as they had intended to sail by way of Newfoundland, in a direc- tion contrary to that by which Lord Delaware approached. His lordship, Governor and Captain Gen- eral, i was accompanied by Sir Ferdinand Waynman, master of the horse, who died shortly afterwards, Captain Holcroft, Captain Lawson and other gentlemen. On the day after his arrival the Governor landed, attended service al the church as already mentioned, read his commission and called a council, lie was the firs! governor id' Virginia by that name. Under his prudent and energetic management, discipline and industry were speedily restored. The hours of labor were set from 6 o'clock in the morning to 10. and * Martin's l!i^. N. ('., vol. 1, p. 71. t I Purehas, li. 9, chap. vi. I Stith, 1 17. These titles were ever afti i given to the ( 'olonial ( ioi ei nors in ehiel "i Virginia. 32 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. X. from 2 to 4 in the afternoon. The Colonists daily attended worship in the church. This edifice was sixty feet long and twenty-four wide. The chancel of cedar and a commu- nion-table of black walnut, with handsome wide windows to shut and open according to the weather. The pews and pulpit of cedar, with a font hewed hollow like a canoe. There were two bells hung at the West end. The building was so constructed as to be \ lighted. The governor had it kept sweet •and dressed with flowers. There was a sex- ton belonging to it. Two sermons were de- livered on Sunday and one on Thursday ; the two preachers taking weekly turns. Every morning, at about 10 o'clock, a bell cave the signal for prayers and so again at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. On Sunday, when the governor went to church, he u as accompa- nied by all the councillors, captains, other officers and all the gentlemen, with a guard of halberdiers in the governors littery, with handsome scarlet cloaks, to the number of fifty walking on each side and behind him. The governor sate in the choir, on a green velvet cushion laid on a table before him, on which he knelt. On each side of him sate the councillors, captains and other officers, each in their places. The governor in re- turning from church was escorted back to his house in the same way. * Some of the houses at Jamestown were covered with boards, some with Indian mats ; they were comfortable and securely protected from the savages by the forts, t The new governor, Lord Delaware, was a generous patron of the Colony, but it was as yet too much in its infancy, to maintain the state suitable to him and his splendid retinue. On the 15th of June, Sir George Somers sailed for Bermuda to procure supplies for the Colony. He died on the island at a spot, on which the town of St. George commemmo- rates his name. It was said of him, that lie was " a land) upon land, a lion at sea." As his life had been divided between the old world and the new, so, after his death, his remains were buried pari at Bermuda, pari in England. The governor despatched Captain io the Potomac for corn, which he succeeded in procuring, by the aid of (he youthful pris- 1 Strae.hey's Narrative in Purchas. t Smith, vol. '1, p. 5. r, Henry Spilman. Lord Delaware erec- ted two forts, called Henry and Charles, after the King's sons. These forts were built on a level tract, bordering Southampton river, and it was intended that settlers arriving from England, should first land there, to refresh themselves after the confinement of the voy- age. Sir Thomas Gates now returned to England; Captain Percy was despatched with fifty or sixty men to chastise the Paspaheghs for some depredations. They fled before the English, who burnt their cabins, captured their cpieen and her children, and shortly af- ter ungenerously slew them. Lord Delaware visiting the falls with some soldiers, was as- saulted by the Indians, who killed three or lour of his men. Shortly after, his lordship finding himself in feeble health, embarked for England, [March 28th, 1611.] CHAPTER X. 1611—1(514. ovemor; New Charier; Sir Thomas Dale, Gov- ernor; Code of Martial Laws ; Dale founds the town of Henrico; Plantations Hope in Faith and Coxendale ; Rock Hall; Bermuda Hundred; Upper and Lower Hundred; Rochdale; West Shirley; Digges' Hundred ; Jamestown; Argall makes Poehahontas a prisoner and carries her to Jamestown Negotiations v\ iih Powhatan ; Dale, accompanied by Poehahontas, makes an expedition up York river; Burns Powhatan's cabins at Werowo- comoeo ; Interviews with the Indians ; Rolfe and Sparks- sent to Powhatan; Dale returns to Jamestown; Rolfe marries Poehahontas ; The Chickahominies enter into a treaty of peace; Community of goods abolished ; Ar- gall's expeditions against the French settlements in Aca- dia; He captures the Dutch fort at New Amsterdam ; Hainer's visit to Powhatan. Delaware was succeeded by Capt. George Percy, who was gentle and courageous but of a mediocre capacity. The number of Colo- nists was now about two hundred, with pro- vision for ten months. Before Lord Delaware' reached England, the council and company despatched lor Virginia Sir Thomas Dale, with three vessels, one hundred cattle, two hundred hogs and other provision. irch 10, 1612.] Another charter was granted to the London company, extending the boundaries of the Colony, so as to in- clude all islands lying within three hundred leagues of tin' continent. The object of ihi s 1611.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 33 extension was to embrace the Bermudas or Somer Islands; but the London Company shortly afterwards sold them to one hundred and twenty of its members, who were incor- porated into a distinct company. * These islands took their name from Sir George Somers. The new charter contained feather provisions, ordering general quarterly meetings of the company, thus making the corporation republican, encouraging emigra- tion, prohibiting desertions and misrepresen- tations of the Colony and authorizing a lot- tery. Sir Thomas Dale, who had served in the Low Countries, sent out as Governor, arrived in Virginia May 10th, 1611. He brought over with him, for the government of the Colony, a code of " Lawes diuine, morall and martiall," compiled by Sir Thomas Smith from the military laws of the Low Countries, and sent, as has been alleged, by him without the sanction of the company. But since the corporation in no way interposed its au- thority in contravention to the new code, their sanction of it must be presumed. Sev- eral of these laws were barbarous, inhuman, written in blood. They even reduced the church under Martial law. However, under Dale's administration, sanguinary punish- ments were not often inflicted.* The gov- ernment indeed was, in practice, stringent and peremptory, but perhaps not much more so than was demanded by the exigencies of the Colony. Faction and mutiny had already well nigh involved it in ruin. Sir Thomas Dale found the Colony relaps- ing into indolence and improvidence. Touch- ing at Kiquotan he set all hands there to planting corn. At Jamestown he found the settlers busily engaged in their usual occupa- tion — playing bowls in the streets. He set them to work, felling trees, repairing houses, and providing materials for enclosing the new town, which lie proposed to build. To find a site for it, he, with a hundred men, surveyed Nansemond river and the James to the falls, and finally pitched upon a high ground on- circled by the river near Arrohattock. Here * Mm. St;it., vol. 1, p. 98. Stith, p. 127, and Appendix No. 3. t Smith, vol. 2, p. 10-11. Stith, 122. Burk 1, 165-195, and Appendix 304, Hawks' Narrative 21-27. Where the " Lawes diuine" may be seen. Force's Hist. Tracts, vol. 3. pp. 9-68. was built the town of Henrico * so called in honor of the heir apparent Brince Henry. It was .seated on a peninsula surrounded on three sides by the river, and impaled across from water to water. There; were three streets of well-framed houses, a handsome church of wood completed and tin- founda- tion laid of a better one to be built of brick, be- sides store-houses, watch-houses, tec. Upon the river-edge there were live houses wherein lived "the honester sort of people as Farmers in England, and they keepe continuall cen- tinell for the towne's securitie." About two miles back from the town was a second pal- isade, " neere two miles in length from Riuer to Riuer guarded by seuerall Commanders, with a good quantity of Corne-ground im- pailed sufficiently secured," &.c. On the south side a plantation was established called Hope in Faith and Coxendale, with five forts * Vestiges of the town are stdl to be traced on Cox's Is- land, (formerly Farrar's,) near Varina. Some curious errors respecting its site have crept into several of our his- tories. Burk, vol. 1.. p. 166, says: "The ruins of this place, called Henrico in honor of one of the sons of the monarch, are stdl visible at Tuckahoe," and for authority Stub, p. 121 is referred to. But Stith's words are, "The rums of tins town are still plainly to lie traced and distin- guished upon the land of the late Colonel William Ran- dolph of Tuckahoe, just without the entrance into Farrar's Island" Now Farrar's Island is twelve miles below the falls, whereas Tuckahoe is as many above. There is another mistake in a note on the same page of Burk— "This town, (Henrico,) stood at the mouth of the river and was accounted but five miles by la. ,1 from Henrico." It ought to read " This town Bermuda, &c. But as if there was some fatality in the case, Keith has fall* n intoa mistake as to the situation of this old town. On page 124, he sats, that. Sir Thomas Dale " proceeded all the way up James river until he came to a high rising ground, about twelve miles above the falls," which being naturally fortified and al- most surrounded by water, he pitched on that place for his intended purpose," and adds that it was "about fifty miles above Jamestown." Now it requires no .pineal acumen to see that a place only "about fifty miles above Jamestown" could not be " about twelve miles above the falls." It is easy to account for Keith's mistake. According to Smith, Book I, p. 10, Henrico was built "upon a highland environed with the main river, some twelve miles from the falls, by Arrohattock." It is evident that Keith mistook '■twelve miles from the falls" to mean twelve miles above them, instead of below. According to Smith as above rc- fened to and Beverley, B. 1. p. 2."., Henrico was near Ar- rohattock, and about fifty miles above Jamestown. Airo- hattock is laid down on Smith's map aboul twelve miles below the falls and on the North side of the river. Hen- rico w .., five miles from Bermuda and situated on a penin- sula encircled by a bend of the river. According to Stith, the most accurate of our historians and who lived in 1746 at Varina, Henrico slood "just without the entrance into Farrar's Island," and this is now known as Cox's Island. See Sou. Bit. Mess, for June, 1845. farrar's Island was probably called after Sir Nicholas Farrar, deputy treasurer. 34 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. X. called respectively. Charity, Elizabeth, Pa- tience and Mount Malady, "a guest-house for sicke people," on the spot where, after- wards, in Stith's time, Jefferson's church stood. On the same side of the river the 'Rev. Alexander Whitaker, called " the Apos- tle of Virginia," v established his parsonage, a well-framed house, and one hundred acres of land called Rosk Hall. The Appomattox Indians h; ted some depredations, Sir Thomas Dale, about Christmas, [1611,] captured their town, seized their corn am! slew some of them. This town was five miles distant from Henri o. The governor pleased with the situation es- tablished a plantation there and called it Ber- mudas, f This place is still known as Ber- muda Hundred and is the port of Richmond for ships of heavy burthen. Dale laid out several hundreds there, the Upper and Lower Rochdale, West Shirley and Digges 5 Hun I In conformity with the newly introduced martial law, each hundred was subjected to the control of a captain. The Nether hun- dred was enclosed with a fence two miles long running from river to river. Here, [1611,] within a hall' mile of each other were many " faire houses already built besides par- ticular men's houses neere to the number of fiftie." Rochdale, enclosed by a fence foui miles long, was planted with houses along the enclosure, [fere the hogs and cattle en- joyed a circuit of twenty miles to graze in securely. About fifty miles below these stood James- town, on a fertile peninsula, with two rows of trained houses, some of them with two stories and a garret, three large store-houses, and the town well enclosed. The town and the neighboring region were well peopled. Forty miles below Jamestown, at Kiquotan, the settlers enjoyed an abundance of fish, fowl and venison. I Captain Argall now arriving from England in a \essel with forty men was sent to the Potomac to trade for corn. He managed to ingratiate himself with Japazaws, a friendly chief, and from him learned that Pocahontas * Hawks' Narrative, 29. Ho was the son of the cele- brated Dr. William Whitaker, master of St. John's, Cam- bridge. t'l'he Bermudas Islands were so called after Bermudez, ,-. Spunsli navigator who discovered them. Martin's Hist. N. C, vol. 1, p. 75. t Smith, vol. i, p. 13. was there. She had never visited Jamestown since Smith's departure, and on the remote banks of the Potomac she thought herself unknown. Japazaws, bribed by Argall, be- trayed the artless and unsuspecting girl into his hands. When she discovered the treach- ery she burst into tears. Argall carried her to Jamestown. A messenger had been ai- re; 1} .-"lit to inform Powhatan that his fa- ll er was a prisoner and must be ransomed with the men, arms, £s.c, taken from the English. Three months thereafter he restored seven English prisoners and some unserviceable muskets, and sent word that if his daughter was released he would make restitution for all injuries and give the Eng- lish five hundred bushels of corn, and forever remain in peace and amity. They, however, refused to surrender Pocahontas until full satisfaction was rendered. Powhatan was deeply offended and nothing more was heard from him for a long time. At length Sir Thomas Dale, the governor, with Capt. Ar- gall's vessel and some others, manned with one hundred and fifty men, went up the York river, taking Pocahontas with him to Wero- wocomoco. Here, meeting with a scornful defiance, the English landed, burnt the cabins and destroyed every thing. On the next day Dale proceeding up the river, concluded a truce with the savages. He then sailed up to Matchot, a residence of Powhatan, on the south side of the Pamunkey, near its mouth. Here four hundred warriors were found. The English landing, the savages demanded a truce till Powhatan could be heard from, which being granted, two of Powhatan's sons went on board the vessel to see their sister, Pocahontas. Finding her well, contrary to what they had heard, they were delighted and promised to persuade their father to make peace and forever be friends with the whites. John Rolfe and master Sparks were despatched to let Pow- hatan know these proceedings. He enter- tained them hospitably, hut would not admit them into liis presence. However, they saw his brother, Opechaiicanough. who engaged lo use his interest with Powhatan in favor of peace, it now being April, the season for planting corn, Sir Thomas Dale returned to " Supposed to be id< ntical with Eltham, the ancientseat ol lip 1 Bassets in New Kent, and which derives its uanie from an English sent in Co. Kent. 1613.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 35 Jamestown intending not to renew hostilitie; until the next harves t. N"ow long before this time, "master John Rolfe, ah honest gentleman, of good beha- viour, had been in love with Pocahontas and she with him." Rolfe, agitated by the con- flicting emotions of this romantic passion, in a letter requested the advice of Sir Thomas Dale on the occasion. He readil} gave his consent to the union. Pocahontas likewise communicated the affair to her brother, so that the report of the marriage soon n Powhatan, and it proved, likewise, accepta- ble to him. Within ten days, he sent Opa- chisco, an aged uncle of Pocahontas, and her two brothers, to attend the wedding and fill his place at the ceremony. The marriagi took place early in April, 1611, at James- town. This union became a happy link of peace and harmony between the red man and the white. The warlike Chickahominies now came to propose a treaty of peace. This tierce and numerous tribe, dwelling on the borders of the Chickahominy, were near neighbors to the English. They had long maintained their independence and refused to acknowledge the sceptre of Powhatan. They now sent two runners to Governor Dale with presents, apologising for all former in- juries, and offering to submit themselves to king James, and relinquish the name of Chick- ahominies and be called Tassautessus, (Eng- lish.) They desired, however, still to be gov- erned by their own laws, under the authority of eighl of their own chiefs. Accordingly Governor Dale, with C; Argall and fifty men, on the banks of the Chickahominy, concluded a treaty of peace with them, and they ratified it by acclama- tion. An aged warrior then arose and ex- plained the treaty, addressing himself suc- cessively to the old men, the young, and the women and children. The ( ininies, apprehensive of being reduced under the despotism of Powhatan, sheltered themselves under the protection of the whites; what a proof of the atrocious barbarity of a whose imaginary virtues have I n o often celebrated by poets, orators and historians, and who have been described as renewing i he golden age of innocent felicity ! * Smith, vol. 2, ;>. 10. in avoi ! ble at first, the system of working in common and b< ing fed out of the public store, had hitherto paralyzed in- dustry and retarded the growth of the Colo- ny. An important alteration was now effec- ted. Sir Thomas Dale allotted to each man three acres of cleared ground, from which he was I to contribute to the public store only two and a hall' barrels of corn. These regulations, raising the colonists above the condition of absolute servitude and cre- ating a new incentive to exertion, proved verj acc< ptal !e. * Although I : de's administration, especially il th ■ fir e was very rigorous, yet it does not i inar} pu iishm< nts were ted. Several of the colonists were executed at different times, for treasonable !v provoked, in some instan- ces at least, by the tyranny of the govern- ment. Of one of these unfortunate men, Smith says: — " This Jeffrey Jlbbots, howeuer this author [Hamor] censures him, and the Gouerriour executes him, 1 know he had long served both in Ireland and Netherlands ; here hee was a sargeant of my companie and 1 neuer saw in Virginian more sufficient soul- dier, l< sse turbulent, a better wit, more hardy or industrious, nor any more forward to cut off them that soughl to abandon the C - trie or wrong the Colonie ; how ingratefully leserts might hee rewarded, enuied or ;ted, or his farre inferiors prefered to , not, bul such occa ions i a aint, mud) more a man, to an ised passionate impatience; how euer il seemes he hath beene punished for his of- that neuer was rewarded Cor his de- [1613.] Th s governor I ning that a French ■ I [settled in Ve about the 44th degree of latitude, despatch- ed Captain Argall to drive them off. His of seven -red! \ e sels, sixty soldiers and fourteen guns. The French co- lony w tinted on Mounl Desert island, near the river Penobscol and within the present hounds of Maine. The French being dispersed in the woods, soon yielded ierior force. Argall supplied the * I. 1, I>. 10. Gnsli: mi 's Am. . n I. 1, p. 04. C ■ •■••' ■-■ ?■ 151. 'l'iit' authoritii t "ii the si ' '"'}'■ 36 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. X. oners with a fishing vessel, in which they re- turned to France. Fifteen of them, however, and a Jesuit missionary, were brought to Jamestown. Another Jesuit had been slain in the skirmish. On Argall's arrival at James- town, he received an order from Gates to return to Acadia and destroy all the French settlements and forts to the 46th degree ; which was accordingly executed. This pro- ceeding, according to some writers, was lit- tle better than piracy, since the chartered limits of Virginia did not extend beyond the 45th degree ; others, however, hold that it was justified by the charter of 1609. On his return, Argall touched at New Am- sterdam, and demanded of the Dutch gover- nor there a surrender of that place to the king of England and the governor of Virgi- nia under him. The colony was accordingly surrendered, but recovered again by the Dutch not long after. * Ralph Hamer t having received from Sir Thomas Dale leave to visit Powhatan, taking with him Thomas Savage as interpreter and two Indian guides, started from Bermuda in the morning, and reached Matchot on the evening of the next day. Powhatan recog- nizing the boy, Thomas Savage, said to him, "My child, I gaue you leaue, being my boy, to goe see your friends and these foure yeeres I have not seene you nor heard of my owne man JVamontack, I sent to England, though many ships haue beene returned from thence." Turning then to Hamer, he demanded the chain of pearl which he had sent to Sir Tho- mas Dale, at his first arrival, with the under- standing that whenever he should send a messenger, he should wear thai chain about his neck ; otherwise he was to be hound and sent home. Sir Thomas had made such an arrangement, and, on this occasion, had di- rected his page to give the necklace to Ha- mer, but the page had forgotten it. However, Hamer being accompanied by two of his own people, Powhatan was satisfied, and conduct- ed lum to the royal cabin, where a guard of two hundred bowmen stood always in atten * Compare the varinnl accounts of Grnhanie's History ol the l ! . States, Amer. Edition, vol, 1, p. 65. Si it h, p. 133. Bancroft, vol. 1, p. 138. Martin's History of \. C, vol. I, p. 77. Bancroft, dates Argall's Expedition in 1013. Gra- hame, Stith arid Martin in IC1 t. t Smith, vol. '_'. p. 19. There appears to be a mistake in affixing William Parker's name t<> the relation ol this visit, foi it was evidently written l>y Hamer. dance. He offered his guest a pipe of to- bacco, and then enquired after his brother, Sir Thomas Dale, and his daughter, Pocahon- tas, and his unknown son-in-law, Rolfe, and " how they lived and loved ?" Being answered that Pocahontas was so well satisfied, that she would never live with him again, he laughed and demanded the object of his visit. Hamer gave him to un- derstand that his message was private, to be made known only to him and Papaschicher, one of the guides, who was in the secret. Forthwith Powhatan ordered out all his peo- ple, except his two queens, that always sit by him, and bade Hamer deliver his message. He then, by his interpreter, informed him that Sir Thomas Dale had sent him two pie- ces of copper, five strings of white and blue beads, five wooden combs, ten fish-hooks and a pair of knives, and would give him a grind- stone when he would send for it. Hamer went on to say that, his brother, Dale, hear- ing of the charms of his younger daughter, desired that he would send her to Jamestown, as well because he intended to marry her, as on account of the desire of Pocahontas to see her, and he believed that there could be no better bond of peace and friendship than such an union. While Hamer was speaking, Powhatan repeatedly interrupted him, and when he had ended, the old chief replied: — " I gladly accept your salute of loue and peace, which while I liue I shall exactly keepe. His pledges thereof I receiue with no lesse thanks, although they are not so great as 1 have receiued before. But for my daughter I haue sold her within these few daies to a great Werowance, three days jour- ney from me, for two bushels of Rawre- noke." Hamer : — " 1 know your highness by returning the Rawrenoke might call her againe, to gratifie his brother, Sir Thomas Dale, and the rather b icause she is but twelue yeeres old. And besides its fori ling a band of peace, you shall haue in return for her three times the value of the Rawrenoke in lltads, Topper, Hatchets, £vc'' Powha- tan: "I loue my daughter as my life, and though I have many children, 1 delight in none so much as her, and if I should not often see her, 1 could not possibly liue, and if he she liued at Jamestown I could not see her, hauing resolued on no termes to put myselfe into your hands, or go amongst 1614.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 37 you. Therefore I desire you to vrge me no further, but returne my brother this answer — I desire no firmer assurance of his friend- ship than the promise hoe hath made. From me he lias a pledge — one of my daughters, which so long as she Hues shall be suffi- cient ; when she dies, he shall haue another. I hold if not a brotherly part to desire to be- reaue me of my two children at once. Far- ther tell him that though he had no pledge at all, hee need not fear any iniurie from me or my people : there haue beene too many of his men and mine slaine, and by my prov- ocation there neuer shall be any more, (I who haue power to performe it haue said it,) even if I should haue iust cause, for I am now old and would gladly end my daies in peace ; if you offer me iniurie, my coun- trie is large enough for me to goe from you. This I hope will satisfie my brother. Now since you are wearie and I sleepie we will here end." So Hamer and his companions lodged there that night. While they were at Matchot, they saw William Parker, who had been made prisoner three years before at fort Henry. He had grown so like an In- dian in complexion and manner, that his countrymen recognized him only by his lan- guage. He begged them to intercede for his release with Powhatan, but upon their undertaking it he replied, " You haue one of my daughters and I am satisfied, but you cannot see one of your men with mee, bu1 you must haue him away or breake friendship: if you must needs have him. you shall goe home without guides, and if any euill befall you thanke your seines." They answered that if any harm befell them he must expect revenge from his brother Dale. At this Powhatan in a passion left them; but returning to supper entertained (hem with a pleasant countenance. About mid- night lie awoke them ami promised to lei them return in the morning with Parker ami charged them to remind his brother Dale to .-end him ten large pieces of copper, a sha- ving knife, a frowl, a grindstone, a ii"!. !';•',- hooks and other such presents. A\\<\ lest they mi-lil forget, he made them write the list in a hook thai he had. They requesting him to give them the hook, he declined, say- ing it did him much good to shew il to stran- gers. * * Smith, vol. 2, p 2] CHAPTER XI. Kill. Raleigh publishes lii.s "History of the World;" C Smith in. lives a voyage lo New England; Pocahontas baptized ; Argall returns to England : The Lottery drawn ; The Colonists invested with a fixed property in the soil ; Sir Thomas Dale embarks foi ! ■'. I in !. accompanied by Pocahontas and her husband ; George Yeardley deputy Governor . Culture ol Tobacco introduced into Virginia ; Expedition against the ChicAahominies ; Pocahontas in England; Captain Smith's rei ation of her to the notice of the Queen ; Smith's interview with Poca- hontas at Brentford ; Tomocomo ; Pocahontas presented at Court; Her Death; Her name; Nantaquaus, her brother ; Her sisters, Cleopatre and Mattachanna; Po- cahontas leaves a son ; Her descendants ; Vindication of Smith frotii the censure east upon him for not having married Pocahontas. During this year, [1614,] Sir Walter Ra- leigh published his "History of the World," and Captain John Smith made a voyage to North Virginia and gave it the name of New England. Pocahontas was now carefully instructed in the Christian religion, and such was her improvement, that after some time she lost all desire to return to her father and retained no fondness for the rude society of her own people. Her union with Rolfe was made happy by mutual devotion. She had already before her marriage openly renounced the idolatry of her country, confessed the faith of Christ and had been baptized. " Master Whitaker," the preacher, in a letter dated June 18th, 1614, " much museth that so few of our English ministers that were so hot against the surplice and subscription come hither, where neither is spoken of." ,\i the end of June, Captain Argall re- turned to England with tidings of all these auspicious events. The company then pro- ceeded to draw the lottery, which had been made up to promote the interests ol" the Colony. This, it is said, was the first in- of raising money by this mode in England. Twenty-nine thousand pounds were thus contributed lo the ( lolony. Bui Parliament shortly after prohibited this per- nicious practice. The year 1615 is remarkable for the estab- lishment of a li\ed property in the soil, fifty acres of land being granted by the company 38 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XI. to every freeman in absolute right.* This salutary change was brought about mainly by the efforts of Sir Thomas Dale, one of the best of our early governors. Sir Thomas having now established good order at James- town, appointed George Yeardl'ey to be dep- uty governor in his absence and embarked for England, accompanied by the Princess Pocahontas and her husband Rolfe. They arrived at Plymouth June 12, 1616. t " That Aristocraticall Gouernment by a President and Councell is long since remo- ved and those hateful! effects thereof to- gether. Order and diligence have repayred what confusion and idlenesse had distemper- ed." The peace with the Indians " hath yeelded many benefits both opportunity of lawfull purchase of a great part of the Coun- trey from the Natiues freely and willingly relinquishing and selling the same for Cop- per, or other Commodities, (a thing of no small consequence to the conscience when the milde Law of Nature, not that violent Law of Amies, lays the foundation of their possession.") " The places inhabited by the English are Henrico and the limits, Bermuda Nether Hundred, West and Shcrley Hundred, James Town, Kequoughtan, Dale's gift." I At Henrico there were now thirty-eight men and boys, of whom twenty-two were farm- ers. Rev. William Wickham was the min- ister at this place. This was the seat of the college established for the education of the natives. Hither they had already brought some of their children of both sexes to be taught. At Bermuda Nether Hundred, [Pres- quile,] the number of inhabitants was 119. " Captain Yeardley, Deputy-Gouernor lives most here." Master Alexander Whitaker, the minister. At West and Shirley Hundred there were twenty-five men under Capt. Madison. At Jamestown fifty under Capt. Francis West. Rev. Mr. Bucke minister. At Kecoughtan Capt. Webb commanded. Rev. Mr. Mays the minister. ' ; Dale's Gift is vpon the Sea neere Cape Charles where were 17 under Lieutenanl Cradock." The total population of the Colony at this time was * Chalmers' Introduc, vol. l,p, in. t ."Sir Walter Raleigh aftei thirte< n yi arsol confineim nl in the Tower had been released on the 17th of March pie ceding. Ins altogether prolwble that he sum Pocahontas. t Purchas, vol. .">, p 8 IG three hundred and fifty-one. * Sir Thomas Dale " at one hale with a saine caught five thousand" fish, " three hundred of which were as bigge as Cod, the least of the resi- due a kind of Salmon Trout two foot long, yet durst he not aduenture on the maine Skul," [school,] for fear it would destroy his nets. Yeardley turned the attention of the Col- ony to tobacco as the most saleable com- modity that they could raise, and its cultiva- tion was introduced into Virginia in this year for the first time, t "The English doe now finde this countrey so correspondent to their constitutions, that it is more rare to heare of a man's death in Virginia then in that proportion of people in England." t The Chickahominies refusing to pay the trib- ute of corn agreed upon by the treaty, Yeard- ley went up their river with one hundred men, and after killing some and making some prisoners, brought off a hundred bushels of their corn. On his return he met Opechan- canough at Ozinies about twelve miles from the mouth of the Chickahominy. In this expedition Henry Spilman, who had been rescued from death by Pocahontas, now a captain, acted as interpreter. In the meantime Pocahontas, in London, by the care of her husband and friends, was taught to speak English intelligibly. Her manners were softened by English refine- ment, and her mind enlightened with the truths of religion. Having given birth to a son, the Virginia company provided for the maintenance of them both, and many per- sons of quality were very kind to her. Be- fore she reached London, Captain Smith, in requital for her former heroic kindness to him, prepared an account of her in "a little booke" and presented it to Queen Anne. But at this time, being about to embark for New England, he could not pay such atten- tions to her as he desired and she well de- served. Nevertheless, learning that she was staving at Brentford, where she had repaired to avoid the smoke of the city, he went ac- companied by several friends to see her. Af- ter a modest salutation, without uttering a word, she turned away and hid her fare as if displeased. She remained in that posture * [bid, 836-7. } Chalmers' Introduc, vol. 1, p. 11. J Purohas his Pilgrims, vol. p. 5,836. 1614.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 39 for two or three hours, her husband, Smith and the rest of the company having quitted the room, and Smith now regretting that he had written to the queen that Pocahontas could speak English. At length, however, she began to talk and touchingly reminded him of the kindness she had shown him in her own country, saying, " you did promise Powhatan, what was yours should bee his and he the like to you ; you called him father, being in his land a stranger, and for the same reason so I must call you." But Smith, on account of the king's overweening and pre- posterous jealousy of the royal prerogative, felt constrained to decline the appellation of " father," for she was a king's daughter. She then exclaimed with a firm look — "Were you not afraid to come into my fa- ther's countrie and cause feare in him and all his people (but mee) and feare you here that I should call you lather? I tell you then I will, and you shall call me childe and so 1 will bee for euer and euer your countrywo- man. They did tell vs alwaies you \\qyc dead and I knew no other 'till I came to Plimoth ; yet Powhatan did command JJttamattomakkin to seeke you and know the truth, because your countriemen will lie much." It is re- markable that Rolfe, her husband, must have been privy to the deception thus practised on her. Are we to attribute this to his secret fear that she would never marry him until she believed that Smith was dead? Tomocomo, or Uttamattomakkin, husband of Matachanna, one of Powhatan's daugh- ters, being esteemed a knowing one among his people, Powhatan had sent him out to England in company of Pocahontas, to num- ber the people there, and bring back an ac- count of that country. Upon landing at Plymouth he provided himself according to his instructions with a long stick, and by notching it, undertookto keep a tally of all the men he could see. Buthesoon grew weary of the task and gave it out in despair. Meet- ing with Captain Smith in London, Uttamat- tomakkin told him that Powhatan had order- ed him to seek him out, in order that he might show him the English God, the king, queen and prince. Being informed that lie had already seen the king, he denied it ; but on being convinced of it, he said to Smith, " you gaue Powhatan a while Dog, which Powhatan fed as himselfe, but your king gaue mi 1 nothing and I am better than your white Dog." On his return to Virginia, when ques- tioned by Powhatan as to the number of peo- ple in England; he answered, "count the stars in the heavens, the leaves on the trees, the sands on the sea-shore." During Smith's short stay in London, he went in company with some gentlemen of the court and others of his acquaintance to \i>it Pocahontas. They were satisfied that the hand of providence was in her conver- sion and declared that they had "seen many English ladies worse favoured, proportioned and behavioured." She was presented by Lady Delaware, attended by the lordlier hus- band and by other persons of quality, to the king and queen, who graciously received her. She was styled " the Lady Pocahontas." She was also present at masquerades and other puli lie entertainments. Early in 1617, John Rolfe prepared to em- bark for Virginia, with his wife and child, in Captain ArgalPs vessel, the George. But at this time it pleased God to take her unex- pectedly from the world. She died at Graves- end, on the Thames. As her life had been sweet and lovely, so her death was serene and crowned with the hopes of religion. * Her real name it is reported, was Matoax, f which the people of her nation concealed from the English and changed it to Poca- hontas, \ from a superstitious fear lest know- ing her true name, they should do her some injury. After her conversion, she was bap- tized by the name of Rebecca. § Her bro- ther Nantaquaus, or Nantaquoud, shewed Captain Smith "exceeding great courtesy," interceding with his father in behalf of the captive, and was " the manliest, comeliest, boldest spirit he ever saw in a savage." One of the sisters of Pocahontas was named Cleo- patre, another Matachanna, already men- tioned. " Pocahontas, with her wild train, visited Jamestown as freely as her father's habitation," and was " of a great spirit how- ever her stature." She died at the age of twenty-two. Her infant son, Thomas, was ■ Smith, vol. 2, [i. 3:!. Stith, p. 146. Campbell's Hist, oi \ a., |'. 52. + Stith, p. 136 and 285. J '1'ln' word Pocahontas, according to Heckwelder, sig- nifies a "rivulet between two lulls." s \ The ceremony of her baptism lias bei n made (he sub- ject of a picture by Chapman, exhibited in the rutuudu of the Capitol at Washington. 40 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XII. left for a time at Plymouth, under the care of Sir Lewis Stukely, * and afterwards edu- cated by his uncle, Henry Rolfe, of London. Thomas Rolfe f came over to Virginia; be- came a person of fortune and note, and left an only daughter, Jane, who married Colonel Robert Boiling, \ by whom she left an only son,. Major John Boiling, father of Colonel John Boiling, and several daughters, who married respectively Colonel Richard Ran- dolph, Colonel John Fleming, Doctor Wil- liam Gay, Mr. Thomas Eldridge and Mr. James Murray. Censure is sometimes, at this day, cast upon Captain Smith for having failed to marry Po- cahontas. History, however, has no who;' given any ground for such a reproach. The rescue of Smith took place in the winter oi 1607, when he was twenty-eight § years ol age and she only twelve or thirteen. || Smith left Virginia early in 1609, and never return- ed. Pocahontas was then about fourteen years of age. But had she been older, it would have been impossible for him to mar- ry her, unless by kidnapping her, as was done by the unscrupulous Argall some years after- wards, — a measure which if it had been adop- ted in 1609, when the colony was feeble and torn by faction, would probably have excited the vengeance of Powhatan and overwhelm- ed the plantation in premature ruin. It was in 1612 that Argall captured Pocahontas on the banks of the Potomac. From the depar- ture of Smith, until this time, she never had been seen at Jamestown, but had lived on the Potomac incoimito.lf In the spring of 1613, it is stated that "long before this, Mr. John Rolfe" " had been in love with Pocahontas and she with him." — This attachment, therefore, must have been formed immediately after her capture, if it did not exist before. The marriage took place in April 1613. It is true that Poca- hontas had been told that Smith was dead ; nor did she know otherwise until she reached Plymouth. And in practising this deception, Rolfe must have been a principal party. But Smith was in no manner privy to it. Smith bore for her a friendship animated by the deepest emotions of gratitude ; and friendship, according to Spenser, a cotemporary poet, is a more exalted sentiment than love. Poca- hontas seems to have regarded Smith with a sort of filial affection, and she accordingly said to him, at Brentford, in that affecting interview : — " I tell you then, I will call you father, and you shall call me childe." It is true, indeed, that the deception practised on Pocahontas, as to Smith's death, would seem to argue an apprehension on the part of Rolfe and his friends, that she would not marry another if Smith were alive. And the circumstances of the interview would seem to confirm the existence of such an appre- hension. Yet, however that may have been, the integrity of Smith stands untarnished. * Stith, pp. 144-46. Stukely was vice-admiral of De- von. Afterwards, by his in achery to Sir Walter Raleigh, he covered himself with infamy and by corrupt practises reduced himself to beggary. t 1 have been informed by Mr. Richard Randolph of Williamsburg, that this Thomas Rolfe married a Miss Poy- i rs. t 1 1< lies buried at. Farming lale,in the county of Prince George. The inscription on his tombstone is as follows: " "' " lyeth interred in hope ol a joyful lesurrection the Ih,|] > "I Robert Boiling the son ol John & Mary Boiling of Alhallows, Barkin Parish Tower Street London. He was born the 2Cth of December in the year 1646 and came to i ia Octoberthe2d 1600 and departed this life the 17th day of July mi. i aged 62 years six months and twenty-one dayes." The portrait of .line Rolfe, grand-daughter of Pocahon- tas, is Mill preserved. ■!) This appears from an inscription on his likeness, pre- fixed to his History of \ irginia. II Si nil, p. 55. !' mon I igh was re- leased from the Tower for the purpose of making another o Guiana, The ex- pedition failed in its object ; Sir Walter lost his son in an action with the Spaniards, and on his return to England was arrested. James was now bent on effecting a match between his son and the Spanish Infanta. To gratify the Court of Spain and his own malice, he resolved to sacrifice Raleigh. He was condemned under the old conviction, although he had lately been commissioned commander of a fleet and Governor of Gui- ana. " He was condemned, (said his son, Carew,) for being a friend of the Spaniards, and lost his life for being their bitter enemy." He was executed [29th of October, 1618,] in the old palace yard, and died with Chris- tian heroism. He was distinguished as a navigator, a negotiator, a naval commander, a military ollicer, an author in verse and in prose, a wit, a courtier, a statesman, a phi- losopher. There is perhaps in English his- tory no other name associated with so lofty and versatile a genius, so much glorious action, and so much wise reflection. He was proud, fond of splendor, of a restless and fiery am- bition, sometimes unscrupulous. An ardent imagination, excited by the enthusiasm of the age, infused an extravagance into some of his relations, that gave occasion for dis- trust, and involved him in several unhappy projects. These, however, are but spots on the disc of his fame, and Virginia will ever pride herself on so illustrious a founder. * CHAPTER XIV. 1619—1621. Sir Edwin Sandys Treasurer; His character; Captain Powell Deputj Governor; Sir George Yeardley Gov- ern. >i ; Firsl Assembly meets in Virginia; Affairs of the Colony ; English Puritans land at Plymouth in New ' England; Negroes introduced into Virginia; Supplies senl out from England; Wives for the Colonists; Eng- land claims a monopoly of the Virginia tobacco ; Chari- table Donations; Sir Francis Wyatt Governor; New frame of Government ; Instructions for the Governor and Council; George Sandys Treasurer in Virginia; No- tice of Ins Life and published Works; The productions of the ( lolony. [ 1619. ) Sir Thomas Smith, treasurer of the * Tytler's Life of Raleigh. Oldys' Life of Raleigh, p. 71. Belknap, vol. 1, article Raleigh, pp. 289-370. "A Brief Relation of Sir Walter Raleigh's troubles." Har- leian, Mis. No. 100. There are also Lives of Raleigh, by aylcy, South',)- and .Mrs. Thorn] in, 1619-21.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA . 45 company, resigned his place and was suc- ceeded by Sir Edwin Sandys. This on- lightened statesman and excellenl man, was born in Worcestershire [1561,] being the second son of the Archbishop of York. Educated at Oxford, under "the judicious Hooker," he obtained a prebend in the church of York. He afterwards travelled in foreign countries and published his observations, in a work entitled " Europae Speculum." Here- signed his prebend [lb'0'2.] was knighted by James, and employed in diplomatic trusts. His appointment as Treasurer gave great satisfaction to the Colony ; for although Hooker had been his teacher, free principles were now, under his auspices, in the ascen- dant. * When Argall, in April, stole away from Virginia, he left for his deputy, Captain Na- thaniel Powell. This gentleman had come over with Captain Smith [1607,] and had evinced courage and discretion. He was one of the writers from whose narrative Smith compiled his General History. Powell, how- ever, held his office only about ten days, when Sir George Yeardley, just knighted, arrived as Governor General, bringing with him new charters for the colony. Yeardley added to the Council Captain Francis West, Captain Nathaniel Powell, John Rolfe, William Wick- ham and Samuel Macock.t Rolfe, who had been Secretary, now lost his place, probably owing to his connivance at Argall' s maleprac- tices and was succeeded by John Pory4 In June of this year, [1619,] the new Governor General summoned the first Legislative As- sembly that ever met in Virginia. It was convened in July. Its privileges and powers were defined in his commission. It consist- ed of the Governor and Council and two Burgesses from each town, hundred and plan- tation. The number of Burgesses § in attend- ance at this first session was twenty-two. All the members of this miniature parliament * Blake's Biog. Die. Sir Edwin is sometimes called Sanctis, sometimes Sands. t Macock's, the seat mi James river, u as i ailed aftei this planter, who was the firs! proprii t Chalmers' Introduction, vol. 1, p. 1'.'. . 160. sate together in one apartment, " where were debated all matters thoughl expedient for the Colony." Thus, after twelve years of suffer- ing, peril, discord and tyranny, intermingled however with much of romantic adventure, bold enterprise, virtuous fortitude and g< ne- rous devotion, were established a local leois- lature and a regular administration of right.* Th?' Virginia planters received as a favor. what they had been too feeble to exact as a right. They expressed their gratitude to the company, and begged them to reduce into a compend, with his majesty's approbation, such of the laws of England as were appli- cable to Virginia, " with suitable additions," because " it was not fit that, his subjects should be governed by any other rules than such as received their influence from him." The acts of this early Assembly were trans- mitted to England for the approbation of the treasurer and company, without which they were of no validity. No record ol' them re- mains, but it was said, "that they were very judiciously formed." f There was granted to the old planters a discharge from all CO] i- pulsive service to the colony, with a confir- mation of their estates, which were to be hoiden as by English subjects. Finding a scarcity of corn, Yeardley now promoted the cultivation of it. This year was remarkable for abundant crops of wheat and Indian com. But an extraordinary mortality carried off not less than three hundred of the people. Three thousand acres of land were allotted to the governor and twelve thousand to the company. "The Margaret" of Bristol ar- rived with twenty-four men, " and also many devout gifts." "The Trial" brought a cargo of com and cattle. The expenditure of the \ irginia Company at this period, on account of the Colony, was estimated at between four and five thousand pounds a year. A body of English Puritans, persecuted on account of their non-conformity, had j 1608] sought an asylum in Holland. [1617.] They conceived the design of removing to Amer- ica. [ L619.] They obtained from the London Company, by the influence of Sir Edwin Sandys, the treasurer, 'a large patent" au- i, p. 157. Chalmers' Annals, p. 44. Belknap, v. '-'■ I' •' in note. Th< comm I I ind full ul la- 46 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XIV. thorizing them to settle in Virginia. [De- cember 1619.] "The Pilgrims" landed at Ply- mouth and laid the. foundation of the New England States. [August 1619.] A Dutch man-of-war visited Jamestown and sold the settlers twenty negroes, the first ever intro- duced into Virginia. ' Japazaws sent for two vessels to trade on the Potomac, as the corn was abundant. A barque of five tons came in from England during the winter. The diminutive size of ves- sels then employed in navigating the ocean is an extraordinary feature of that age. Eleven vessels were sent out by this company in this year, bringing over twelve hundred and six- teen settlers, who were disposed of in the following way ; eighty tenants for the gov- ernor's land, one hundred and thirty for the company's land, one hundred for the college, fifty for the glebe, ninety young women for wives, fifty servants, fifty whose labors were to support thirty Indian children ; the rest were distributed among private plantations. The wives were sold to the Colonists for one hundred and twenty pounds of tobacco. The price afterwards became higher. The bishops, by the king's orders, collected nearly £1,500 to build a college in Virginia for the educa- tion of Indian children. The population of the Colony in 1620 was estimated at four thousand, t One hundred " disorderly per- sons" or convicts, sent over in the previous year by the king's order, wrrc employed as servants. For a brief interval the Virginia Company had enjoyed freedom of trade with the Low Countries, where they sold their to- bacco. But [1G21] this was prohibited by an order in council. From this lime Eno-- la ! claimed a monopoly of the trade of her plantations, and this principle was gradually ado] ted by all the European powers, as they acquired transatlantic settlements. J Two persons unknown presented some plate and ornaments for the communion-ta- bles at the College and at "Mrs. Mary Rob- * " Smith, vol. 2, p. 39, where Rolfe gives the date 1619. Stith, p. 171. Beverley, B. 1, p. 37. Chalmers' Annals, p. 49. Burk, vol. 1. p. 211. and Hening, vol. 1, p. 1 Ki, all, a: Bancroft, vol. 1, p. 177 remarks, rely on Beverley. It may be added thai they all were misled by him in making the dale 1620." t Chalmers' Introduc, vol. 1, p, 1 1. Jib. 15. inson's Church," towards the foundation of which she had contributed two hundred pounds. Another person incognito gave five hundred and fifty pounds for the educa- tion of Indian children in Christianity. This modest and munificent philanthropist subscri- bed himself " Dust and Ashes." He was afterwards discovered to be Mr. Gabriel Bar- ber, a member of the company.* Sir George Yeardley's term of office ex- piring, the company's council appointed Sir Francis Wyatt governor, a young gentleman of Ireland, whose education, family, fortune and integrity recommended him for the place. He arrived in October 1621, with a fleet of nine sail, and brought over a new frame of government for the Colony, constituted by the company and dated July 24th, 1621 — es- tablishing a council of state and a general assembly — vesting the governor with a nega- tive upon the acts of the assembly — this body to be convoked by him, in general, once a year, and to consist of the council of state and of two burgesses from every town, hun- dred or plantation — the trial by jury secur- ed — no act of the assembly to be valid unless ratified by the company in England, and on the other hand, no order of the company to be obligatory upon the Colony without the consent of the assembly. A commission of the same date recognized Sir Francis as the first governor under the new form of govern- ment. And this famous ordinance became the model of every subsequent provincial form of government in the Anglo-American colonies, t Wyatt received also a body of instructions intended for the permanent guidance of the governor and council. He was to provide for the service of God, in conformity with •• the Church of England, as near as may be;" — to be obedient to the king and to ad- minister justice according to the laws of Eng- land : ,i not to in in re the natives, and to forget old quarrels now buried :" " to be industrious and suppress drunkenness, gaining and ex- cess in cloaths ; not to permit any but the council and heads of hundreds to wear gold in their cloaths or to wear silk till the} make * Stith, 216. t Chalmers' I ntroduc, vol. 1. p. 13-16. Belknap, vol. ',1, p. 171. The Ordinance ami Commission may be seen in 1 lening, vol. 1, p. 110-13. 1622.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 47 it themselves;" not to offend any foreign prince; to punish pirates; to build forts; to endeavor "to convert the heathens," and " each town to teach some" of the Indian "children tit for the college intended to be built :" to cultivate corn, wine and silk ; to search for minerals, dyes, gums and medi- cinal drugs, and to "draw off the people from the excessive planting of tobacco ;" to take a census of the Colony ; " to put pren- tices to trades and not let them forsake their trades for planting tobacco or any such use- less commodity;" "to build water-mills:" "to make salt, pitch, tar, soap, ashes," &c ; "to make oyl of walnuts and employ apothecaries in distilling lees of beer;" " to make small quantity of tobacco and that very good." * Wyatt, entering upon his government, No- vember 18, immediately dispatched " master Thorpe" to renew the treaties of peace and friendship with Opechancanough. He was found apparently well affected and ready to confirm the pledges of harmony. A vessel from Ireland brought in eighty settlers, who planted themselves at Newport's News. The company sent out during this year twenty- one vessels, navigated with upwards of four hundred sailors, and bringing thirteen hun- dred men, women and children. The aggre- gate number of immigrants in 1621 and lo'"2'2 was three thousand live hundred, t With Sir Francis Wyatt, came over, as Treasurer in Virginia, George Sandys, brother of Sir Edwin Sandys, treasurer of the com- pany in England. George Sandys was born [1577.] After passing some time at Oxford, [1610] he travelled over Europe to Turkey and visited Palestine and Egypt. He pub- lished his travels, at Oxford [ 1615,] and they were received with great favor. In Virginia he devoted his leisure to a translation of Ovid's Metamorphose,-, which was published [1626] and dedicated to King Charles I. I!c published several other works and enjoyed the favor of the literary men of his day. Having lived chiefly in retirement, he died [1643] at the house of Sir Francis Wyatt, in Bexley, Kent. [1615.] Twelve different commodities had been shipped from Virginia ; tobacco and sassafras were now the only exports. The * Hening, vol. L, p. 114-17. Belknap, vol. 2, p. 171-5. t Chalmers' Annals, 57. company in England imported during the year 1(jl9 twenty thousand pounds of tobac- co, the entire crop of the preceding year. James I. endeavored to draw a " prerogative" revenue from what he justly termed "a per- nicious weed," and against which he had published his " counterblast," but was cl ed by a resolution of the Commons. At the end of seventy years there were annually imported into England more than fifteen mil- lions of pounds of tobacco, from which was derived a revenue of upwards of £100,000. t [November and December 1621.1 An as- sembly was held at James City. Acts were passed to encourage the planting of mul- berry trees and the culture of silk. This culture so early commenced in Virginia and of late years so warmly urged, appears still unsuccessful. Are we to infer that the cli- mate of Virginia is incompatible with that sort of production or that, the population is too thin ? CHAPTER XV. 1622. Tin' Massacre; Its Origin; Nemattanow; Opechanca- nough ; Si r.nrity of the Colonists ; Hypocrisy of the In- dians; Particulars of the Massacre; Thorpe, Powell, Causie, Baldwin, Harrison, Hamer; Consequences of the Massacre ; Brave defence of some of the Colonists ; Supplies sent from England in relief of the Colonj ; Capt. Smilh ; Raleigh Crashaw and Opechancanough j Captain Madison massacres a party o! Indians; Sir George Yeardley invades the Nansemonds and the Pa- munkies ; They are driven luck; Reflections on theex- termination of the In h ins. On the 22nd of March, 1(S - 2 - 2, a memora- ble massacre occurred in the Colony. It was supposed to have originated in the fol- lowing circumstances. There was a famous chief among the Indians named Nematta- now, or "Jack of the Feather," so styled from his fashion of decking his hair. He was reckoned by his own people invulnera- ble to the arms of the English. Nematta- now, visiting one of the settlers named Mor- . ners' Introduc, vol. 1, p. 13. April 17, 1621, the House of Commons debated whether it was expedient to prohibit the importation of tobacco entirely. The) di ter- mined to exclude all save from Virginia and the Isles. Ii was estimated that the consumption of England amounted to 1000 lbs. per diem. Chalmers' Annals. 48 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XV. gan, persuaded him to go to Pamunkey to trade and murdered him by tlie way. Ne- mattanow in two or three days returned to Morgan's house and finding there two young men, Morgan's servants, who enquired for their master, answered them that he was dead. The young men seeing their mas- ter's cap on the Indian's head, suspected the murder and undertook to conduct him to Master Thorpe, who then lived at Berke- ley, on the James river. * Nemattanow, however, so exasperated them on the way, that the young men shot him, and he falling, they put him into a boat, to convey him to the governor, distant seven or eight miles. The wounded chief in a short while died. Feeling the approaches of death, he begged the young men not to disclose that he was killed with a bullet. So strong is the aspi- ration for posthumous fame even in the breast of an untutored savage ! Opechan- canough, the ferocious chief of the Pamun- kies, was agitated with mingled emotions of grief and indignation at the loss of his fa- vorite Nemattanow, and at first uttered threats of revenge. The retorted menaces of the English made him smother his resentment and dis- semble his dark designs under the cloak of friendship. And thus, upon Sir Fran- cis Wyatt's arrival, all suspicion of Indian treachery had died away; the Colonists in fancied security were in genera! destitute of arms; the plantations lay dispersed as ca- price or a rich vein of laud allured ; their houses everywhere open to the Indians, who fed at their tables and lodged under their roofs. About the middle of March, a mes- senger being sent upon some occasion to Opechancanough, he entertained him kindly and protested that he held the peace so firm, that "the sky should fall before lie broke it." On the 20th of the month the Indians gui- ded some of the English safely through the forest, and to lull all suspicion, they sent one Brown, who was sojourning among them 10 learn their language, back home to his master. They went so far as even to bor- row boats of the whites to cross the river when about holding a council on the medi- tated massacre, it tool: place on Friday, » Stith, p. 200. This old plantation is a well-known seal o! the Harrisons. Ii was originally called Brickie)', us appears from Smith, vol. 2, p. T.~>. the 22nd of March, 1622. On the evening before, and on that morning, the savages as usual came unarmed into the houses of the planters, with fruits, fish, turkies and venison to sell. In some places they actually sate down to breakfast with the English. At about the hour of noon the savages rising suddenly and everywhere at the same time, butchered the colonists with their own implements, sparing neither age, sex nor condition. Three hundred and forty-seven men, women and children fell in a few hours. The infuriated savages wreaked their ven- geance even on the dead, dragging and mangling the lifeless bodies, smearing their hands in blood and bearing off the torn and yet palpitating limbs as trophies of a brutal triumph. Anions; the victims was master George Thorpe, a kinsman of Sir Thomas Dale, deputy to the College lands and one of the principal men of the colony. * This pious gentleman had labored much for the conver- sion of the Indians, and had exhibited to- wards them nothing but kindness. As an instance of this, — they having at one time expressed their fears of the English mastiff dogs, he had caused some of them to be put to death before them, to the great displea- sure of their owners. Opechancanough in- habiting a paltry cabin, master Thorpe had built him a handsome house after the English manner, t But these miscreants, equally deal' to the voice of humanity and insensible to the emotions of gratitude, mur- dered their benefactor with every circum- stance of barbarity. He had been warned of his danger by a servant, but making no effort to escape, fell a victim to his mispla- ced confidence. With him ten others were massacred at Berkley. Another of the slain was Captain Nathan- iel Powell, one of the first settlers, a brave soldier and who had for a brief interval filled the place of Governor of the Colony. His family fell with him. Another of Captain Smith's old soldiers, Nathaniel Causie, when severely wounded and surrounded by the In- dians, slew one of them with an axe, and put the rest to flight. At Warrasqueake, Mr. * !!<• had been of the King's bedchamber, Stith, p. 211. t The chief was so charmed with it, especially with the lock and key, that he locked and unlocked the door an hun- dred limes a day. 1622.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 49 Baldwin, by repeatedly firing his gun, saved himself and family and divers others. The savages at the same time made an attempt upon the house of a planter, named Harri- son (near Baldwin's) whore wore Thomas Hamer, with six men and eighteen or nine- teen women and children. The Indians tried to inveigle Hamer out of the house, by pre- tending that Opechancanough was hunting in the neighboring woods and desired to have his company. But he not coming out, they set fire to a tobacco-house. The men ran towards the fire and were pursued by the In- dians, who pierced them with arrows and beat out their brains. Hamer having finish- ed a letter that lie was writii ing no treachery, went out to see what was the matter, when being wounded in the back with an arrow, lie returned to the hou: barricade;! it. Meanwhile Harris')::'-- boy finding hi.- master's gun loaded, fired it at random and the Indians Sled. Baldvt continuing to discharge his gun, Hamer, with twenty-two others, withdrew to his house. leaving their own in flames. Hamer next retin ■! to a new house thai he w; building ami there defending himself with spades, axes and brickbats, escaped the fury of the savages. The master of a vess< I the James river, sent a file of musqueteers ashore, who recaptured from the enemy the Merchant's Store-house. In the neighbor- of Martin's Hundred, seventy-three persons were butchered, yet a small family there escaped and heard nothing of the mas- sacre for two days. Thus fell in so short a space of time onc- twelfth part of the colonists, includin members of the council. The destruction might have been universal hut for the disclo- sure of a converted Indian, named Chanco, who, during the night before the ma revealed the plot to one Richard Pace, with whom he lived. Pace upon rec< intelligence, alter fortifying his own hou e, repaired before day to Jamestown a;; the alarm to Sir Francis Wyatt, the Gover- nor. His vigilance saved a large pari of the Colony. ' Famine, with its horrors, now threatened * Pui 90. Smitl A list of the si found on page 75. Eleven \\< re killed at Berkley, two at Westover, fivi Flower-de-Hundred, twenty-one of Sir Ceoi \ people at Weyanoke, & c to follow in the train of massacre. * The con- he sun ivors so unmanned them, that twenty or thirty days elapsed before any plan of defence was concerted. Many were urgent to abandon the James river and take refuge on the Eastern Shore, where some newly settled plantations had escaped the ravages of this disaster.! At length it was determined to abandon the weaker planta- tions and to concentrate their numbers in live or six well fortified places, Shirley Hun- dred, Flower-de-Hundred, Jamestown with Paspahey and the plantations opposite to Kiquotan and Southampton Hundred. A large part of the cattle and effects of the planters thus fell a prey to the enemy. Never- theless, a planter, "Masti rGookins,"at New- port's News, refus< d to surrender his planta- tion, and held out there with singular spirit. Samuel Jordan, too, with the aid of a few refugees, maintained his ground at Beggars' Bush; t as also did Mr. Edward Hill at Eli- zabeth City. "Mistrisse Proctor, a proper, ciuill, modest gentlewoman.'' defended her- self and family for a month after the a ere, until at last forced to retire by the Eng- ifficers, who threatened if she refused, to burn her house down, v hich was done by the Indians shortly after her withdrawal. :i Newce of Eliza y, and his wife, distinguished themselves by their libe- rality to the sufferers. Several families es- caped to the country afterwards known as North Carolina, mul settled there. § When the news of the catastrophe r< Englan ? -ranted the companysome unserviceable arms out of the tower, and lent them twenty barrels of powder: Lord St. John of Basing', gave sixty coats of Mail ; the privy council sent out supplies, and the city of London despatched one hundred set- tlers. i| Captain John Smith undertook, if the company would >rn<\ him to Virginia with a ..mail force, to reduce the savages to sub- jection and proteel the colony from future assaults. Hi> project, however, failed on ac- count of the ons of the company and * ( !h: Imi :■-' I nt roduction, vol. 1 . t Sue., p. . | \ ■■■ ■ • nrds c Hi .1 "Jordan'.' known as the seal of Richard Bland, a "'• ' th, vol. 2, p 79. Chalrrn i -' ! • vo1 ' '• p. 10. Belknap, vol.2, p. L85 I "™sed to send out lour hundri I soldiers, ' •"■ "'• 50 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XV. the niggardly terms which were proposed by the few members found to act. It is worthy of remark that the event jus- tified the policy of Argall in prohibiting in- tercourse with the natives. Had that measure been enforced, the massacre would probably have been prevented. But the violence and corruption of such rulers as Argall, serve to disgrace and defeat the best measures ; while the virtues of the good are sometimes per- verted to canonize the most pernicious. During these calamitous events that had befallen the colony, Captain Raleigh Crashaw was engaged in a trading cruise up the Poto- mac. While there, Opechancanough sent two baskets of beads to the chief, or king, of the Potomacs to bribe him to slay Crashaw and his party, sending him at the same time tidings of the massacre and assurance that, "before the endoftwo Moones," there would not be an Englishman left in all the country. Japazaws, however, communicated the mes- sage to Crashaw, and he, thereupon, sent Opechancanough word, "that he would na- kedly fight him, or any of his, with their owne swords." The challenge was declined. Not long alter, Captain Madison, who oc- cupied a fort on the Potomac, suspecting treachery on the part of tie' tribe there, rash- ly killed thirty or forty men, women and chil- dren, and carried off (he Werowance, his son and two of his people prisoners to James- town. The captives were, however, in a short time ransomed. When the corn was ripe, Sir George Yeard- ley, with three hundred men, invaded the country of the Nansemonds. They settino- fire to their cabins and destroying whatever they could not carry away, lied. The Eng- lish seized their com and completed the work of devastation. Sailing next to Opechanca- nough's seat, at the head of York river, Yeardley inflicted the same chastisement on the Pamunkies. * Tims the red men were driven back like hunted wolves from their ancient haunts. While their fate cannot fail to excite compassion, it may lie reasonably concluded that the perpetual possession of this country by a feu savage tribes, would * " Since the newes of the Massai-re in Virginia the Indians continue then wonted friendship, yet are wee [of New England] more waryol them then he I for their hands have beene embrued in much English hloud onely by ion much confidence hut not by force." Purchas, vol. 4, 1840 il. have been incompatible with the designs of Providence, in promoting the welfare of man- kind. A productive soil could make little return to a people almost destitute of the art and the implements of agriculture and habit- ually indolent. Navigable rivers, the natural channels of commerce, would have failed in their purpose, had they borne no freight but that of the rude canoe. Forests would have slept in gloomy inutility, where the axe was unknown, and the mineral and metallic trea- sures of the earth would have remained for- ever entombed. In Virginia, where the abo- riginal population was only one to the square mile, they could not be held occupants of the soil. Their title to the narrow portions which they actually occupied, was indisputable. It was, however, found impossible to occupy t}\c open country to which the savages had no just claim, without also exterminating them from those spots, which rightfully be- longed to them. This inevitable necessity actuated the pious puritans of Plymouth, as well as the less scrupulous settlers of James- town. The unrelenting hostility of the sava- ges, their perfidy, insidiousness and implaca- bility made this sanguinary measure necessary. In Virginia the first settlers, a small company, in an unknown wilderness, were repeatedly assaulted by the red men. Resistance and retaliation were demanded by the natural law of seil-nefence. Nor were these settlers vol- untary immigrants ; the bulk of them had been sent over, without regard to their con- sent, by the king or the Virginia company. Nor did the king or the company authorize any injustice or cruelty to be exercised to- wards the natives. On the contrary, the col- onists, however unfit, were enjoined to intro- duce Christianity among them and to propi- tiate their good will by a humane and lenient treatment. Thus Smith and his comrades, so far from being encouraged to maltreat the Indians, were often hampered in the means of a necessary self-defence, by a tear of of- fending an arbitrary government at home. It is, as has been remarked by Mr. Jefferson,* by no means true, thai all the lands were ac- quired from the natives by the sword, far the greater portion having been purchased by treaty. If it be objected that the considera- tion was inadequate ; the reply is, that a small consideration was sufficient to compensate * In his Notes on Virginia. See also Purchas 5, p. 83G. 1623-25.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 51 for a title, which for the most part had little if any validity. And besides, a larger com- pensation would oftentimes have been thrown away upon men alike destitute of knowledge and of industry. Groping in the dim twi- light of nature and slaves of a gross idola- try, their lives were circumscribed within a narrow circle of animal instincts and the ne- cessities of a precarious subsistence. Cun- ning, bloody and vindictive, engaged in fre- quent wars, they knew little of that Arcadian innocence and those scenes of Elysian feli- city, of which youthful poets so fondly dream. If an occasional exception occurs, it is but a solitary gleam of light shooting across the surrounding gloom. Still we cannot be in- sensible to the numerous injuries they have suffered, and cannot but regret that their race could never be blended with our own. The Indian is gone ; his cry no longer echoes in the woods, nor is the dip of his paddle heard on the water. The wave of extermination urges him onward to the setting sun, and we behold their tribes fading one by one forever from the map of existence. CHAPTER XVI. 1623—1025. King James takes measures to annul the Charter of the Virginia Company ; Commissioners appointed to enquire into the affairs of the Colony; Commissioners appointed to proceed to Virginia; Assembly petitions (he King; Disputes between the Commissioners and the Assembly ; Treachery of Sharpless and his punishment ; The Charter of the Virginia Company dissolved ; Causes of this pro- ceeding; Character of the Company ; The Earl ol Si mi! Ii- arnpton. The court of James I., jealous of the grow- ing power of the Virginia Company and of its too republican spirit, seized upon the occasion of the massacre, to attribute all the calamities of the Colony to its mismanage- ment and neglect, and thus to frame a pretext for dissolving the charter. [April 1623.] A commission was issued authorizing Sir Wil- liam Jones, a justice of the common pleas, Sir Nicholas Fortescue, Sir Francis Goston, Sir Richard Sutton, Sir William Pitt, Sir Henry Bourchier and Sir Henry Spilman ' to enquire into the affairs ol' the Colony. B) * Stith says Spilman, Burk SpiUer. See Belknap, vol. 2, p. 18C, in note. an order of the privy council the records of the company were seized, the deputy treas- urer* imprisoned, and on the arrival of a vessel from Virginia, all the papers on board inspected. In October the King declared his intention to grant a new charter mod- elled after that of 1606. This astounding order was read three times at a meeting of the company, before they could credit their own ears. They then, by an overwhelming vole, refused to relinquish their charter and expressed a determination to defend it. The King, in order to procure additional evidence against the company, appointed five commis- sioners to make inquiries in Virginia. Of these John Harvey and John Pory arrived in Virginia early in 1621, t Samuel Matthews and Abraham Percy were planters resident in the Colony and the latter a member of the house of burgesses ; John Jefferson, another commissioner, did not come over to Virginia, nor did he take any part in the matter, " being a hearty friend to the company." At first the planters deeming it a dispute between the * Nicholas Ferrer, (in the old books Farrar,) was born in London, L1592,] educated at Cambridge, where he displayed extraordinary talents, acquirements and piety. Upon quit- ting the University, he made the lour of Europe, winning i he esteem of the learned, " passing through many adven- tures and perils with a heroism of too elevated a kind to be called romantic, the heroism of piety, and maintaining every- where an immaculate character." Upon his return he was appointed "King's counsel for the Virginia plantation." [1G22.] He was chosen deputy treasurer of the Virginia Company, andso remained till its dissolution. [1624.] In the house of commons, he distinguished himself by his opposi- tion to the political con option of that day, and then ".nutted public life at little more than the age of thirty, in obedience to ,i religious fancy lie hud long entertained, and formed of his family and relations a sort of little half popish convent, in which he passed the remainder of his life. Belknap, vol. 2, p. 187, in note. Foster's Miscellanies, :iOS-9. The following notice of Ferrar's establishment is ex- tracted from ( \u lyle's "Letters and Speeches of Oliver Cromwell," vol. 1, pp. 69-70. " Crossing Huntingdonshire in his way Northward, his majesty had visited the Estab- lishment of Nicholas Ferrar.al Little Gidding.onthe Wes- tern bordei of that county. A surprising Establishment now in full flower, wherem above fourscore persons, in- cluding domeslicks with Ferrar and his Brother.and aged Mother at the head <>l them, had devoted themselves to a kind of Protestant Monachism and were getting much talked of in those times. They followed celibacy and merely religious duties ; employed themselves in ' binding of Prayerbooks,' embroidering oi hassocks, in almsgiving also and what charitable work was possible in that desert region ; above all, they kept up night and da\ a continual repetitii i the English Liturgy; beinn divided into re- lays and watches, watch relieving another, as on ship- board and never allowing at any hour the sacred ftre to go out." t Stith, 297. Belknap, p. 2, ISO, in note. 52 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XVI. crown and the company, in which they were not essentially interested, paid but little at- tention to it. But two petitions defamatory of the Colony and laudatory of Sir Thomas Smith's arbitrary rule, having come to the knowledge of the assembly, [February 1624,] that body prepared spirited replies and draft- ed a petition to the King, which, with a let- ter to the privy council and other papers, were entrusted to Mr. John Pountis, a mem- ber of the council. * He, however, died during- the voyage to England. The Idler to the privy council prayed, " that the governors may not have absolute power and that they might still retain the liberty of popular assem- blies, than which nothing could more con- duce to the public satisfaction and public utility." The commissioners refused to exhibit their commission and instructions to the assembly, and the assembly refused them access to its records. Pory, one of the commissioners who had lost his place of Secretary to the company by betraying its secrets to the Earl of Warwick, now suborned Edward Sharp- less, clerk of the Virginia council, to expose to him copies of the journal of that body and of the house of Burgesses. Sharpless being de- tected was sentenced to the pillory with the loss of his ears, f The commissioners made a report against the corporation. [1624.] James I. dissolved the Virginia Company by a writ of Quo Warranto. \ w hich was determined only upon a technicality in the pleadings. The company bad been ob- noxious to the ill will of the King on several grounds. The corporation had become a thea- tre for rearing leaders of the opposition, many of its members being also members ot parliament. The company had chosen a treasurer in disregard of lb" King's nomina- tion, and in electing Carew Raleigh a mem- ber they had made allusions to bis father Sir Walter which were; probably unpalatable to the author of bis death. Besides, the King was greedy of power, which he wanted (be sense and the virtue to make a good use of and doubtless hoped to find in Virginia a new field * Hening, 1, I 20 and 12S. | Stith, 315. < >uly a piece o! one ear was i:ul off. { The commissioners were appointed October 24, L623, ami the writ of Quo Warranto issui d November lOthol the same year, "when the commissioners were hardly out of sight of England." Belknap, vol I, p 190-1, in for extortions. Fortunately for history the company made a copy of its records, which afterwards fell into the hands of a Virginian.* [1625.] Charles I. succeeding to the crown and principles of his father, took the govern- ment of Virginia into his own hands. The company thus extinguished had expended one hundred and fifty thousand pounds in es- tablishing the Colony and transported nine thousand settlers without the aid of govern- ment. The number of stockholders, or ad- venturers, as they were styled, was about one thousand, and the annual value of exports from Virginia was, at the period of the dis- solution of the charter, only twenty thousand pounds. The company embraced much of th-3 rank, wealth and talent of the kingdom, near fifty noblemen, several hundred knights and many gentlemen, merchants and citi- zens. Among the leaders in its courts were Lord Cavendish, afterwards Earl of Devon- shire, Sir Edwin Sandys and Sir Edward Sackville, afterwards the celebrated Earl of Dorset, and above all the Earl of Southamp- ton, the patron of Shakspeare.J Although the company was so enlightened and its con- duct enlarged, liberal and disinterested, yet so cumbrous a machine was unfit for the planting of a Colony, and their management, it must, be confessed, was often wretched. The judicious Captain Smith seems to have approved of the dissolution of the corpora- tion. He and his companions had been rude- ly displaced by it. Yet as the act provided no compensation for the enormous expendi- ture incurred, it can be looked upon as little better than confiscation effected by chicane * Col. Byrd. t Henry Wriothesley, third Earl of Southampton, [1C01,] was connected with the Earl of Essex in his conspiracy to seize the person of Elizabeth. Essex lost his life. South- ampton was convicted, attainted and impi isoncd during the Queen's life. 1 * t j the accession of .lames I. he was libe- rated and restored, [1603.] lie was afterwards made cap- tain of tin' Isle of Wight ami governoi ol Carisbroke Cas- tle and [1618] a member of the priv} council. [1620.] He was chosen Treasurer ol the Virginia Company, contrary lo the avowed wishes of the king. The Earl, however, held the office nil the charter was dissolved and m its meet- ings, as well as in parliament, opposed the measures of a feeble and corrupt court. He was grandson of Wriothes- ley, the famous chanc< lloi ol E Iward VI., father to the ex eellent and noble Treasurer Southampton, Grandfather to Rachel Lady Russel, and the friend and patron of Shaks- pcare. In his later years he eo landed an English regiment in the Dutch service and died in the Netherlands, [1624.] Belknap, vol. 2, p. 171, in note. The county of Southamp- ton, Va. probably look its name from this Earl. 1625-30.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 53 and tyranny. Nevertheless the result was undoubtedly favorable to the Colony. * CHAPTER XVII. 1625—1630. ly of 1624; Charles I. Commissions Sir Thomas Wyati G iven i r; Assemblies rtol allowed ; Royal Gov- ernment virtually established in Virginia; Other Colo- nies on the Atlantic Coast ; Wyatt returns to E Succeeded by Yeardley ; His Proclamations ; His death; Succeeded by Francis West; Letter of Charles I. ; De- sires an Assembly to be culled ; Reply of the Assembly ; John Pott Governor; Condition of the Colony; Statis- tics; Diet; Manner of living ; Pott superseded by Har- vey ; Pott convicted of stealing ; Harvey's unpopularity. All Assembly had been held [March 1624,] and its acts are preserved. They are brief and simple, coming- directly to the point, without the tautology of modern statutt refer mainly to agriculture, the church estab- lishment and defence against the Indians, f [August 1624.] The king granted a commis- sion, re-nominating Sir Thomas Wyatt Gov- ernor, appointing a council during pie and purposely omitting all mention of an assembly, thinking, " so popular a course'' the chief source of recent troubles. Tints in i (feet a royal government was established in Virginia. Hitherto she had been subject to a three-fold legislation of the company, the ■* This is candidly admitted by that "faithful chron Stith, although no one could be more strenuously op to the means employed. t Hening's Statutes, vol. 1, pp. 119-20 and 129 30. The following is a list of members of this early A bly: Sir Francis Wyatt, Knt. Governor, iVc. Capt. Fran's West. John Pott. Sir George Yeardley. Capt. Rogei George Sandys, Treasurer. Capt. Ralph iiumr. and John Pountis, of the Council. Burgesses. William Tucker. Xaili.un' I Jabez Whitakers. John Willcox. William I Nicholas Marten. Raleigh Crashaw. < lemenl Dilke. Richard Kingsmell. Isaack Chaplin. Edward Blany. John Chew. Luke Boy se. John 1 i ie. John Poll ington. John Southeme. Nathaniel Causey. Rii hard B Robert Adams. Henry Watkins. Thomas Harris. t fabi iel Ho Richard Stephens. 'I homas Morlatt. R. Hickman, Clerk. iclei 1 crown and her own president or governor and council. * [1625.] The French had at an early date established themselves in Canada ; the Dutch were now colonizing New Netherlands; the English were extending their confines in New England and Virginia; while the Span- iards, the first settlers of the coast, still held some feeble posts in Florida. Wyati returning to Ireland "to manage his affaires" there. [1626,] was succeeded by Sir George Yeardley. He, during the same year, by proclamation which now usurp- ed the place of law, prohibited the selling of | corn to the Indians, made some commercial regulations and directed houses to be pali- saded. In the following year, Yeardley dy- ing, was succeeded [November 14th, 1627,] by Francis West. James I. had made tobacco the subject of extortion and violation of the charter. Charles I., in a letter dated June 16th, 1628, proposed, that a monopoly of the tobacco trade should be granted to him and recom- mended the culture of several new products, and desired that an assembly should be call- ed to take these matters into consideration. On the 26th of March ensuing the Assem- bly replied by demanding a higher price and i. tore favorable conditions than his majesty was disposed to yield. As to the introduc- tion of new staple's they explained why that was impracticable. This letter was signed by Francis West Governor, five members of the: * Chalmers' Introduction, vol. 1, p. 22. Beverley, how- ever, Book L, p. 47, says expressly that an asseml allowed. " The country being thus taken into the king's hands, his majesty was pleased to establish the constitu- tion to be a governor, council and assembly, and to confirm the former methods and jurisdictions ol the several courts, as they had been appointed in the year 1C20 and placed the last resort in the assembly." Burk, too, vol. 2, p. 15, although befoggi d as to the grant of authority to call an assembly, asserts that, "Assemblies convened and deliberated in the usual form, unchecked and uninterrupted b >m the dissolul ion of the proprietary government to the period when a i constitution was -cut over with Sir W. Berkeli j in 1639." Foi authority a document in the Appendix is referred to, but it is not to be found i Ira e. 'i'n i> inions oi Chalmers and Hening, confirmed by a corresponds ; chasm in the records, outweigh the Beverley and Burk. From 1623 lo 1628, there appears no mention on the Statute book, or in the journal of the \ ir- ginia Company, of any assembly having been held in the made to the ovi rnor and council, whereas they would have been made to thi As- sembly had il met. 54 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XVII. council and thirty-one members of the house of burgesses. " Captain Francis West continued Gov- ernor till the 5th of March, 1628, and then (he being designed to go for England,) John Pott, Esq., was elected Governor by the Council." '■ [1627.] The Governor, Sir George Yeard- ley, with two or three of the Council, resi- ded for the most part at Jamestown. The rest of the council repaired there as occa- sion required. There was, however, a gen- eral meeting of the Governor and Council, every three months. The population of the colony was estimated at between 1500 and 2000. These inhabited seventeen or eigh- teen plantations. The greater part of these, " towards the falls," were well fortified against the Indians by means of palisades. The planters living above Jamestown now found means to procure an abundant supply of fish. On the banks of the James, the red men were now seldom seen, their fires in the woods frequently. The number of cattle in Virginia was variously reckoned from 2000 to 5000 head. The stock of goats was large and their increase rapid; the woods were stocked with wild hogs, which were killed and " eaten by the; Salvages." There was no family in the colony " so poore" as had not " tame Swine sufficient." Poultry was equally abundant. Bread was plenty and good. For drink the colonists used a home-made ale, " but the better sort are well furnished with Sacke, Jlquavitaz, and good English Beere. The common diet of the servants was " Milko Homini, which is bruiz- ed Indian Conic pounded and boiled thicke and milke for the sauce." This dish was in esteem also with the better sort. The plan- ters were generally provided with arms and armour, "and euerie Holy-day everie Plan- tation dotli exercise their men in Amies. In which meanes, hunting and fowling, the most part of them are most excellent mark- men." Tobacco was the only crop cultiva- ted lor sale. The health of the country was greatly improved by clearing, whereby "the Sunne hath power to exhale up the rnoysl vapours of the earth." ( 1629. | Most of the land about Jamestown was cleared of wood: little corn planted : hut all the ground " con- verted into pasture and gardens, wherein * 1 Hening. p. .'! am! 1. doth grow all manner of herbs and roots we have in England in abundance, and as rrood grasse as can be." Here was kept the great- er part of the cattle of the colony, the own- ers being dispersed about on the plantations and returning to Jamestown, as inclination prompted, or at the arrival of shipping come to trade. [1629.] The population of Vir- ginia was supposed to amount to 5000, — the cattle from 2000 to 5000. The colony had a surplus of provisions sufficient to feed 400 more than its own number of inhabitants. Vessels procured supplies there, and the num- ber arrived during this year was 23. Salt fish was procured from New England. Kecough- tan, (Hampton,) supplied peaches. " Mis- tresse Pearce, an honest industrious woman, hath beene there neere twentie yeares and now returned [to England] saith, shee hath a Garden at James towne containing three or foure acres, where in one yeare, she hath gathered neere an hundred bushels of excel- lent figges, and that of her owne provision she can keepe a better house in Virginia, than here in London for 3 or 400 pounds a yeare yet went thither with little or noth- ing." The colonists now found the Indian com so much better for bread than wheat, that they began to quit sowing it. An assembly met at Jamestown, [October, 16th 1620,] consistingof JohnPott, Governor, four councillors and forty-six burgesses re- turned from twenty-three plantations. Pott was superseded in the same year by Sir John Harvey, * commissioned by the king. Sir John first met the Assembly, March 24th, 1629. The late Governor was, during the fol- lowing year, Rob-Roy-like convicted of steal- ing cattle. The ancient records preserve some particulars of the trial: — "July the 9th, 1630. — Dr. John Pott, late Governor, indicted, arraigned and found guilty of steal- ing cattle : 13 jurors, 3 whereof councellors. This day wholly spent in pleading; next day in unnecessary disputation: Pott endeavor- ing to prove Mr. Kingswell, (one of the wit- nesses againsl him,) an hypocrite, by a sto- ry of Gusman of Alfrach the rogue. In re- * So commonly written according to the vulgar con- temporaneous pronuiici.il urn, but properly Hervey, Pott " continued Govemoi nil .some time between Octobei and March, 1629, (or on the 4th of March the Quarter court ordered an Assembly to be called to meet Sir John Harvey on the '.Mill, an. I nothing was done after Sbr in Pott's name that can be found." I lien. p. t. 1630-36.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 55 gard of his quality and practice, judgment respited till the king's pleasure known: and all the councel became his security." * Sir John Harvey, the new Governor, was one of the Commissioners who had been senl out by the king to Virginia, [1623,] for the purpose of investigating the state of the col- ony and of procuring evidence, which might serve to justify the dissolution of the Virginia Company. Harvey had also been a mem- ber of the provisional Government, [1625.] Returning now* to Virginia, no doubt with embittered recollections of the violent col- lisions with the Assembly, in which as a commissioner he had been formerly involved, he did not fail to imitate the arbitrary rule that prevailed "at home" and to render him- self odious to the Virginians. CHAPTER XVIII. 1630—1636. George Lord Baltimore visits Virginia; Procures from Charles I. a grant of territory; Acts of Virginia Assem- bly; Charles I. appoints a Council of Superintendence for Virginia ; Ac's of Virginia Assembly; George L rd Baltimore dies ; The patent of territory devolves upon his son Cecilius Lord Baltimore ; He employ., his brother Leonard Calvert to found the Colony of Mary hind ; Wil- liam Claiborne having settled a trading post on Kent d, Virginia appeals to the crown against the grant to Baltimore; The decision in favor of Baltimore; Clai- borne foments disturbances in Maryland ; Convicted of high crimes; Escapes to Virginia; Harvey refuses to sur- render him to the proprietary "of Maryland ; Sends him with witnesses to England for trial; The question again determined in favor of Maryland; Harvey gives away large bodies ol \ irginia territory ; His corrupt and tyran- nical administration ; (Jnhapp) condition of the Colonj Exasperation of the Virginians ; Har to return to England to answer charges; Charles I. of- fended re-instates 1 lai vey. Sir George Calvert, a strenuous defender * 1 Hening.p. 145 1 46. In the note to p. 145 is a from the journal of the proceedings ol a Court held at James City, November 16th, 1627. " \i this Court the lad) Ten:/' i came and did fully an lutely confirme as much as in her lay, the coovi \ ince m ide by her late I lu- 1 1,1 ml, Sir George Veardley Knt, I die Gov- ernor deceased, unto Abraham Persey, Esq., foi the lands of Flowerdien Hundred, being one thousand acres and of Weanoake on the opposite side of the water being 2200 acres." The name of the Governor's Lady Temperance is Puritanical. Another such was Obedience Robins, a Burgess of " Accowmacke" in 1630, See ] Hening, p. 149. of the royal prerogative, in 1624 became a convert to the Roman Catholic faith. I [e was nevertheless shortly afterwards created by .lames !. Baron of Baltimore, in the county of Longford, in Ireland. Finding himself compelled to relinquish a plantation, settled under his auspices in \cw foundland, and be- ing still bent upon seeking a retirement in the new world, for the quiet exercise ol' his religion, he came over to Virginia early in [1630.] The Assembly was in session at his arrival and proposed to his lordship that he and his followers should take the oaths of supremacy and allegiance. This he declined and the Assembly referred the matter to the king in council. Nor did this wise and esti- mable nobleman escape personal indignity. In the ancient records is found this singular entry, ''March 25th 1630. Tho : Tindall to be pillory'd 2 hours lor giving my Ld Baltimore the lye and threatening to knock him down." * His lordship, however, finding the Virginians universally averse to the very name of papist, proceeded to the head of the Chesapeake bay and finding an attractive territory on the North side of the Potomac, unoccupied, returned to England and procured from the king a grant of that part of Virginia, after- wards known as Maryland, t Ministers were ordered in session of March 1630 to " conforme themselves in all thinges, according to tin; cannons of the church of England." Measures were adopted for the erection of a fort at Point Comfort. .New comers were made exempt from military ser- vice during the first year after their arrival. Provisions were made against engrossing and forestalling. For the furtherance of tin; production of pot ashes and salt-petre, ex- periments were ordered to lie made. To pre- vent a search} of com il was ordered, ••that two acre- of corne or neere thereabouts, bee planted for every head that worketh in the grounde." Regulations were established for the improvement of the staple of tobacco. An acl provided, " that the warr begun uppon * 1 Hpning, p t Belknap, 3. 20G, 210. Burk,2,25. Hawks, IT. 'I hi se historians date Lord Baltimore's visit to Virginia in 1628, but without citing authority. I rely mainly upon the date of the sentence of Tindall. The old Lord Baltimore visit- \ in .i onl) 'me,' and it is air igether proba i thai I in - did] was punished immediately upon his assault. £ ..III, is. Chalmers' Anna!-, 200 201. Neither mention the date in question. 56 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XVIII. the Indians, bee effectually followed and that noe peace bee concluded with them." * The first act of the session of February 1632 provides: " That theire bee auniformitie throughout this colony both in substance and circumstance to the cannons and constitution of the church of England as neere as may bee, and that every person yeald readie obe- dience unto them uppon penaltie of the paynes and forfeitures in that case appoynt- ed." Another act directs that "Mynisters shall not give themselves to excesse in drink- inge or riott spending theire tyine idellye by day or night playinge at dice cards or any other unlawfull game;" Another order was, " that all the counsell and burgisses of the assembly shall in the morninge be present at devine service in the rooine where they sitt at the third beatings of the drum, an hower after sun rise." No person was suffered to " tend" above fourteen leaves nor gather above nine leaves of a tobacco plant, nor to tend " any slipps of old stalkes of tobacco, or any of the second cropps." And it was ordained that all tobacco should be " taken down" be- fore the end of November. No person "shall dare to speake or parlie with any Indians either in the woods or in any plantation, yt if he can possibly avoyd it by any meanes." The spirit of constitutional freedom showed itself in an Act declaring " That the Governor and Counsell shall not lay any taxes or impo- sitions uppon the colony theire land or com- modities otherwise than by the authorities of the Grand Assembly to be levyed and ym- ployed as by the Assembly shall be appoynt- ed." Act XL. provides that, "the Governor shall not withdrawe the inhabitants from theire private labours to service of his own uppon any couller whatsoever." In case of emergency "thelevyinge of men shallbedone by the Governor and whole bodie of the Coun- sell." "For encouragement of men to plant -loir of come the prize shall not, he stinted but, it shall be- free for every man to sell it as deere as he can." "Noe man shall goe to worke in the grounds without theire arms and a centinell uppon them." There shall be due watch kept by night where neede re- quires." "No commander of any plan shall either himselfe or suffer others to spend powder unnecessarilie that :.. to say in drink- inge or enterteynments." " All men that * 1 Henine, 140 U ! are fittinge to beare armes shall bringe their i to the Church." Noe person within this colony uppon the rumour of supposed charge and alteration shall presume to be disobedient the present government nor ser- vants to theire private officers masters and overseers at their uttermost perills." "That no boats be permitted to goe and trade to Canida or elsewhere that be not of the bur- then of ten tunns and have a flush decke or fitted with a gratinge and a tarpauiinge, ex- ceptinge such as be permitted for discovery by a speciall Lycense from the Governor." * [1632.] Charles I. issued a commission appointing a council of superintendence over Virginia, empowering them to ascertain the state and condition of the colony. The com- missioners were Edward Earl of Dorset, Henry Earl of Derby, Dudley viscount Dor- r, Sir John Coke, Sir John Davers, Sir Robert Killegrew, Sir Thomas Rowe, Sir Robert Heath, Sir Kineage Tench, Sir Dud- ley Diggs, Sir John Holstenholm, Sir Francis Wyatt, Sir John Brooks, Sir Kenelm Digby, Sir John Tench, John Banks, Esq., Thomas Gibbs, Esq., Samuel Rott, Esq., George Sands, Esq., John Wolstenholm, Esq., Nich- olas Ferrar, Esq., Gabriel Barber, and John Ferrar, Esquires. t The elaborate acts for improving the sta- nd regulating the trade in it evince the increasing importance of that crop. Tithes were imposed and the " twen- tyeth calfe kidd and pigge graunted unto the Mynister." [1633.] Every 40th man in the neck of land between the James and the York, [then called the Charles,] was directed to repair to the plantation of Dr. John Pott, to he " imployed in buildinge of houses and ing that tract of land lyinge betweene" " Queen's creeke in Charles' river and Ar- cher's Hope creeke in James river." This vliddle Plantation now Williamsburg. All new comers were ordered "to pay 64 lb of Tobacco to the mayntenance of the fort at Poynt < lomfort." | I [Jenii L55 ! 38, 162, 164, 165, 107, 171, 172, 173, ; > Rurk, :!.".. | 1 II, nu, ;, i 33, [90, 208, 222. The pay of the officers at Point Comfort was at ihis time. lb. Tobo. BBls. Corn To the Captayni of the ffort 2000 10 •« Gunner 1000 G " Dummer ami !\ rter For t ni hei men each r>l them 500 lb. Tobo. 1 BBls Corn. 2000 0000 L6 38 1630-36.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 57 Thus far, under Harvey's administration, the Assembly had met regularly, and several judicious and wholesome acts had been passed. As early as 1620, John Pory explored the Chesapeake bay and found one hundred English happily settled on its borders, ani- mated with the hope of a very good trade in furs.* "During the years 1627, 28, 29 the Governors of Virginia gave authority to Wil- liam Clayborne ' Secretary of State of this kingdom,' as that most ancient dominion was then called, to discover the source of the bay of Chesapeake or any part of that govern- ment from the 34th to the 41st degree of North latitude." t [May 16th, 1631.] Charles I. granted a license to " our trusty and well- beloved William Clayborne, one of the coun- cil and Secretary of State for our colony of Virginia" authorizing him to make discove- ries and trade. This license was, by the royal instructions, confirmed by Governor Harvey and Clayborne, shortly afterwards settled a trading post on Kent Island lying in the Chesapeake bay, not far from the present capital Annapolis. A burgess was returned, [1632,] from the Isle of Kent to the Assem- bly at Jamestown. $ [1633.] A warehouse was established "in Southampton river for the inhabitants of Marie's Mount, Elizabeth Citty, Accawmacke and the Isle of Kent." § In the meantime the old Lord Baltimore dy- ing at London [1632,] before his patent was executed, it was confirmed to his son Cecil, or Cecilius. He engaged the services of his brother Leonard Calvert, who accordingly came over, [1633,] accompanied by two hun- dred Roman Catholic gentlemen and founded the Colony of Maryland. The name was given in honor of Henrietta Maria, queen consort of Charles I. of England, and dan. 1 li- ter of Henry IV. of France. Leonard Calvert sailed from Cowes in the Isle of Wight Nov. 22, 1633, St. Cecilia's day. [Feb. 27, 1634.] He and his companions reached Point Comfort, filled with apprehen- sions of the hostility of the Virginians to their colonial enterprise. Letters, however, from Charles I. and the Chancellor of the * Chalmers' Annals, 206. t Chainlets' Annals, p. Exchequer conciliated Governor Harvey, who hoped by his kindness to the Maryland colo- nists to ensure the recovery of a large sum of money due him from the royal treasury. Cal- vert after a hospitable entertainment of eight or nine days, embarked on the 3rd of March for Maryland. Clayborne, who had accompa- nied Harvey to Point Comfort to see the stran- gers, did not fail to alarm them by accounts of the hostile spirit that they would find in the Maryland Indians. Calvert on arriving in Maryland was accompanied in his explo- rations of the country by Capt. Henry Fleet, a Virginian familiar with the settlements and lanffuasre of the savages. It was under Fleet's direction that Calvert selected the site of St. Mary's, the ancient capital of Maryland, * The Virginians dissatisfied with the grant to Lord Baltimore remonstrated, [May 1633,] to the king in council against what " will be a general disheartening to them if they shall be divided into several governments." Fu- ture events were about to strengthen their sense of the justice of this opposition. [July, 1633.] The case was decided in the Star Chamber, the Privy Council thinking " it fit to leave Lord Baltimore to his patent and the other parties to the course of law according to their desire," recommending at the same time a spirit of amity and " good correspon- dence" between the planters of the two colonies. So futile a decision could not ter- minate the contest. Clayborne continued to claim Kent Island and to abnegate the juris- diction of the infant Maryland. And, [March 14th, 1634,] at a meeting of the Governor and council of Virginia, Clayborne enquired of them how he should demean himself to- wards Lord Baltimore and his deputies in Maryland who claimed jurisdiction over the Colony at Kent isle. In answer to this in- quiry, the Governor anil council declared "that the right of my lord's granl being yet undetermined in England, we are bound in duty and by our oaths to maintain the rights and privileges of this Colony." Neverthe- less, "in all humble submission to his majes- ty's pleasure," they resolved "to keep and observe all good correspondence" with the ♦ While's Relation. I Force. White, a Jesuit Mis- sionary, says of Fieri :— " Al the first lie v\,is verj friendly T ^naimers minais, p. -i-ii . oiuu»iji»»j-» — ■ %\ Hening, 151. Chalmers' Annals, 227-229, where tons; afterwards seduced by the evil counsels ol a cer- Cla> home's license may be found. tain Clayborne, who entertained the mosl hostile disposition, i) Hening, 1, 211. he stirred up the minds of the Natives against us." 8 58 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XVIII. Maryland new-comers. * [September 1634.] Lord Baltimore gave orders to sieze Clay- borne if he did not submit to the proprietary government of Maryland, t Clayborne ex- cited the jealousy of the Indians, persuading them that the " new-comers" were Spaniards and enemies to the Virginians, and he in- fused his own spirit of insubordination into the inhabitants of Kent Island. He was at length indicted and found guilty of murder, piracy and sedition — constructive crimes inferred from his insubordination. He es- caping, however, took refuge in Virginia. His estate was siezed as forfeited, t Harvey refused to surrender the fugitive Clayborne to the Maryland commissioners, and sent him, if we are to rely on a doubtful relation, to England, accompanied by the wit- nesses. § If such was the case, there is at least no evidence to be found that he was subjected to any trial. The grant to Baltimore opened the way for similar grants to other court favorites of lands lying to the North and to the South of Vir- ginia. And while Charles I. was lavishing vast tracts of Virginia territory upon his fa- vorites, Sir John Harvey, in collusion with the royal commissioners, imitated the royal munificence, by giving away large bodies not only of the crown-lands but even such as belonged to private planters. In the contests between Clayborne and the proprietary of Maryland, while the people of Virginia warm- ly espoused Clayborne's cause, Harvey sided with Baltimore. Harvey proved himself alto- gether a fit instrument of the administration then tyrannizing in England, llv was " se- vere in his extortions and forfeitures, proud in his councils and unjust and arbitrary in every department of his government." He issued numerous proclamations in derogation of the legislative powers of the Assembly; assessed, levied and held the colonial revenue without check or responsibility; transplanted into Virginia English statutes hitherto un- known: multiplied new penalties and exac- * Chalmers' Annals, 230. Chalmers is more full and satisfactorj in ins account of Maryland because lie had resided there lor many years. t Ibid., 210. t Ibid, 211-232. There was " in examination of the King of Paluxent relative to Clay home's intrigues." §Burk, II. Who refers as usual to "Ancient Records." There is reason to douht tin- state nt, because < !halmers, the best authority in tins matter; maUs no allusion to it. tions, and under pretence of supplying the deficiency of a scanty salary appropriated fines to his own use. However, the As- sembly met regularly and the legislation of the Colony expanded itself. Nevertheless, the condition of the colony was miserable. Charles wasted her territory and by his ordinances established a grinding monopoly of her tobacco. In those days of prerogative an application to the Commons for redress proved fruitless. [July, 1634.] At length the committee of Council for the colonies compassionating Virginia, trans- mitted instructions to the Governor and council, saying, " that 'tis not intended that interests which men have settled when you were a corporation, should be impeached ; that for the present * they may enjoy their estates with the same freedom and privilege as they did before the recalling of their pat- ents," and authorizing the appropriation of lands to the planters as had been the former custom. Whether these concessions were inadequate in themselves, or were not car- ried into effect by Harvey, upon the petition of many of the inhabitants, an Assembly was called to meet on the 7th of May, 1635, to hear complaints against that obnoxious gov- ernor, t However, on the 28th of April, Harvey was by the council " thrust out of government and Captain John West acts as Governor till the King's pleasure known." t The charges alleged against Sir John were his haughtiness, rapacity and cruelty; his con- tempt of the rights of the colonists and his usurpation of the privileges of the council. The deposed Governor agreeing to embark for London to answer the complaints against * By the words, " for the present," was probably intend- ed " at the prest nt" — '• now." t There being hardly any point in which the people of a Stale are more sensitive than in regard to territory, it may wiih -noil reason be concluded, that one of the chief of- lenees ot Harvey was his having sided with Baltimore in Ins infrai lion of the Virginia territory. A historian of Vir- ginia has stigmatized Clayborne as an " unprincipled in- cendiary," and " execrable villain," and after denouncing Sir John Harvey lor refusing to surrender the fugitive Clayborne to the demand of the proprietary of Maryland, ail. Is, •' Hut the lime uas al hand, when this rapacious and tyrannical prefect, [Harvey,] would experience how vain and ineffectual arc the projects of tyranny, when oppo- sed lo ilie indignation of freemen." If, however, Clay- bome was indeed sent by Harvey to England for trial, nothing could have more inflamed " the indignation of free- men" than such treatment of an intrepid vindicator of their territorial rights. See Burk, vol 2, pp. 40-41. I Hen. 1, p. 223. Chalmers' Annals, p. 113. 1636-49.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 59 him, the Assembly afterwards collected the evidence and deputed two councillors out with him to prefer the charges. Charles, offended at the presumption of the council and Assembly, re-instated Sir John, and he resumed his place, [January, 1636.] ; CHAPTER XIX. 1636—1619. Wyatt Governor; Succeeded by Sir William Berkley ; The Assembly's Declaration against the restoration ol the Virginia Company and Petition to the King; Reply of Charles F. dated at York ; Indian Massacre of 164 ! ; Opechancanough made prisoner; His heroUm in misfor- tune; He is murdered by one of his guards; The civil war in England; Loyalty of Virginia; Clayborne drives Lord Baltimore from Maryland and usurps his govern- ment; Opechancanough dies and is succeeded by Neco- towance ; A treaty effected with him; [is provisions; Livers Acts of Assembly; State of other Colonies on the Atlantic Coast; Charles I. executed ; Question rela- tive to the validity of the Colonial Government ; Assem- bly of 1649; Its loi In 1634 the colony of Virginia had been divided into eight shires, James City, Hen- rico, Charles City, Elizabeth City, Warwick river, Warrasqueake, Charles River and Ac- comac. t " During the reign of James I. and a great part of that of his successor, the superintendence of the Colonies was lodged in the privy-council, which will be found to have exercised during those times very ex- traordinary powers, t '• In April, 1630, a commission" for regulating plantations " was granted to the great officers of State, invest- ing thein with an authority legislative and executive." § Harvey after his restoration continued to be Governor for about three years. During this period there appears to have beet! no meeting of the Assembly and of tins part of Harvey's administration no record i- [July 14th, 1638.] Charles 1. addressed a letter to Lord Baltimore; referring to hi * Keith, p. 142-3. Beverley B.l, p. 50. Grahaim U. S., vol. I, | t 1 Hening, p. li! The original name Pamaun then beei Charles River, v. hich afti gave « ay lo Voi k. t Chalmers' Annals, in Preface. This work of w! ich only one volume was ever published, is a quarto of about TOO pa: ps. mer letters to " our Governor and Coun- cil of Virginia and to others our office's and sub] cts in these parts, we signified ourplea- sure that. William Clayborne, David More- head and other planters in the island near Virginia, which they have nominated Kent- ish-island, should in no sort be interrupted by you, or an) other in your right, but rather he encouraged to proceed in so good a The king goes on to complain to Baltimore, that his agents, i:i despite ol' the royal instructions, had " slain three of our subjects there and by force possessed them- selves by night of that island and seized and carried away both the persons and estates of the said planters." Charles concludes by enjoining a strict compliance with his for- mer orders. * At length, [April 4th, 1639. J the Lords Commissioners of plantations, with Land Archbishop of Canterbury at their head, held a meeting at Whitehall and finally determin- ed the claims of Clayborne to part of Mary- land. This decision was in consequence of ; petition presented, [1637,] by Clayborne to the kinir, claiming by virtue of discovery and settlement Kent Island and "another plantation upon the mouth of a river in the bottom ol' the said bay, in the Susquesaha- nough's country," and complaining of the attempts of Lord Baltimore's agents there, to dispossess him and his associates and of outrages committed upon them. The deci- sion was now absolutely in favor of Balti- more. Clayborne despairing of any peace- able redress, began to meditate revenge. Charles 1. had now lor many years gov- erned England by prerogative without a. par- ::?. At length his necessities con- strained him lo convene one, and his appre- ms ol' th id the revolt of the ions of the national discontent, admonished him to miti- gate the despotism of Ins colonialrule. Ac- cordingly, [November, 16 he unpopular [Larve) u as di: placed by Sir Franci; att. f Harve\ . how ill remained in Virginia a member of the cor W\ 1642,] to Sir ■ |nl '■: I F: 'In r Jo I - vener a Jesiiil Mtssionar) resided at Kent Island. White's iiion. Fi ' . | - . '.' |] ..-, 60 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XIX. William Berkley, an accomplished cavalier, destined to occupy the helm of Virginia for a very long period and to undergo several extraordinary vicissitudes of fortune. By some salutary regulations, which he introduced shortly after his arrival, and by his honorable character and winning address, he soon ren- dered himself very acceptable to the Virgini- ans. [1st of April, 1642.] The Assembly made a declaration against the restoration of the Virginia Company then proposed, denoun- cing it as having been the source of intoler- able calamities to the colony by its illegal proceeding, barbarous punishments and mo- nopolizings policy. They insisted that its restoration would cause them to degenerate from the condition Of their birth-right and con- vert them from subjects of a monarchy, to the creatures of a popular and tumultuary govern- ment, to which they would be obliged to resign their lands held from the crown, which they in- timate if necessary would be more fitly re- signed to a branch of the royal family than to a corporation. They averred that the re- vival of the company would prove a death- blow to freedom of trade, the life-blood of a commonwealth. Finally the assembly pro- tested against the restoration of the compa- ny, and denounced severe penalties against any who should countenance the scheme. : ' : This remonstrance, together with a petition, being communicated to the King, then at York, he answered it, engaging never to re- store the company. The following is the King's letter: " C. R. Trusty and well-beloved we greel you well. Whereas we have received a petition from you, our Governor, council and burgesses of the grand assembly in Virginia, together with a declaration and protestation of the 1st of April, against a petition presented in your names to our House of Commons in this our kingdom, for restoring of the letters patent for the incorporation of the late treasurer and council, contrary to our intenl and mean- ing and against all such as shall go about to alienate you from our immediate protection. A 1 1 d whereas you desire by your petition that we should confirm this your declaration and protestation under our royal si net and trans- * Urn. 1, p. S30 et seq. Burk 2, p. 65 mit the same to that our colony ; these are to signify, that your acknowledgments of our great bounty and favors towards you and your so earnest desire to continue under our immediate protection, are very acceptable to us : and that as we had not before the least intention to consent to the introduction of any company over that our colony, so we are by it much confirmed in our former reso- lutions, as thinking it unfit to change a form of government wherein, (besides many other reasons given and to be given,) our subjects there, (having had so long experience of it,) receive so much content and satisfaction. And this our approbation of your petition and protestation, we have thought fit to transmit unto you, under our royal signet. Given at our Court, at York, the 5th of July, 1642. To our trusty and well-beloved our Governor, Council and Burgesses of the grand assembly of Virginia."* As early as 1619 a small party of English Puritans had come over to Virginia. A lar- ger number would have followed them, but they were prevented by a royal proclama- tion, t [1642.] A deputation was sent from some Virginia dissenters to Boston solicit- ing a supply of pastors from the New Eng- land churches. Three clergymen were ac cordingly sent with letters recommending them to the Governor, Sir William Berkeley. On their arrival in Virginia they began to preach in various parts of the country and the people flocked eagerly to hear them, t [March, 1643.] The Assembly of Virginia passed the following act. " Ffor the pres- ervation of the puritie of doctrine and vnitie of the church, It is enacted that all minis- ters whatsoever which shall reside in the col- lony are to be conformable to the orders and constitutions ol" the Church of England and the laws therein established and nototherwise to be admitted to teach or preach publiekly or privatly, And that the Gov. and Counsel do take care that all noncomformists vpon notice ol' theie shall be compelled to depart the collony with all convenience." § Sir William Berkley equally averse to the reli- gious tenets and political principles of the * ('!. ilmrrs' \nnals, p. 133-4. t Graliamp, Amrr. Ed. 1, p. 110. t Grah; Am >r. Ed. 1. p. 192. V ili niii- 1 , p. 217. 1636-49.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 61 Puritan preachers, issued a proclamation in consonance with this act. " They had little encouragement from the rulers of the place, but they had a kind entertainment with the people." * And " though the State did si- lence the ministers because they would not conform to the order of England, yet the people resorted to them in private houses to hear them." t In a short time, however, the New England preachers returned to their own country, t The Indians, whose hatred to the whites had long slumbered, but had never been di- minished, being offended by the encroach- ments made upon them by some of Sir John Harvey's grants, Opechancanough, headed them in a second massacre. It took place on the 18th of April, 1644. The destruction fell chiefly upon the settlements near the heads of the rivers, especially the York and on the south side of the James. The car- nage continued for two days and the num- ber of the slain was estimated at five hun- dred § There were not wanting those who sus- pected that Opechancanough was instigated by some of the English themselves, who in- formed him of the civil war then raging in England, and of the dissensions that dis- turbed the colony, and told him " that now was his time or never, to roote out all of the English." Had the Indians followed up their first blow, the Colonists must have been all cut off. But after their first treacherous on- slaught, their hearts failed them and they (led affrighted, " many miles distant off the colo- ny : which little space of time gave the Eng- lish, opportunity to gather themselves togeth- er, call an Assembly, secure their cattell and to thinke upon some way to defend themselves, if need were and then to offend their ene- mies, which by the great mercy of God was * Mather, cited by Hawks, p. 53-51. t Winthrop, cited by Hawks, p. 54. % Chalmers' Annals, p. 121. Beverley, IS. I, p. 51. Burk, v. 2, p. 53 et seq. The circumstances of tins massacre are involved in doubt. Beverley fixes the Lime ol us occurrence in 1639, an evi- dent mistake us appears from Burk cited above, and Hen- ing, vol. 1, p. 450: "That the two-and-twentieth day ol March and the eighteenth 'lav of Aprill It yearly kept holie, in comemoration of our deliverance from the Indi- ans, at tin' bloody massacres the '-'.'ml day of March, 1621, and the eighteenth ol Aprill, 1644." See also Henin , \ I, pp. 289-90-91, and Drake's Book of the Indians, B. I. pp. 21-22. .Mr. Bancroft supposes the number of the slain not to have exceeded 300. done." Opechancanough, the fierce and implacable enemy of the whites, was now nearly a hundred years of age, I and the commanding form which had so often shone in scenes of blood was now worn down with the fatigues of war and bent with the weight of years. Unable to walk, he was carried from place to place by his followers. His flesh was macerated, and his eye-lids so powerless, that he could only see, when they were lilted up by his attendants. Sir Wil- liam at length with a party of horse, by a rapid inarch, surprised the superannuated warrior at some distance from his residence. He was carried a prisoner to Jamestown and kindly treated by the Governor. This mon- arch of the woods retained a spirit unbro- ken by decrepitude of body or calamities of fortune. Hearing footsteps in the room where he lay, he requested his eye-lids to be raised, when perceiving a crowd of specta- tors, he called for the governor, and upon his appearance, said to him, " had it been my fortune to take Sir William Berkley pris- oner, I would have disdained to make a show of him." Hq had, however, "made a show" of Captain Smith. About a fortnight after Opechancanough's capture, one of his guards for some private revenge shot him in the back. Languishing awhile of the wound he died, t His death brought about a peace with the Indians, which endured many years without interruption. Sir William Berkley left Virginia June, 1644, and returned June, 1645. His place was filled dining his absence by Richard Kemp. The spirit of freedom awakened by the voice of the reformation began now to develop itself in England. The arbitrary temper of Charles I. excited the dissatisfac- tion of the nation and a violent opposition of parliament which exacted Ins asseni to the "petition of tight." The popular in- dignation was carried to the highest pitch by the raising of ship-money. Hampden o-loried in a personal resistance of this odi- ous tax. The Puritans were arrayed against «■ " New I >• a; iti f Virginia." Force, vol.2. f So say the chroniclers oi thai day, but as he was younger than Powhatan, Opechancanough « as probably not ninety at the time ol this massacre. Thatcher's Indian i ! Beverley, B. 1, p 53. Keith, p. I 15 16. Opechanca- nough was probably buried at Jamestown. 62 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XIX. the hierarchy, and Scotland was not less em- bittered against the king by his effort to force the liturgy upon her. [1640.] The necessi- ties of Charles prompted him to call togeth- er the Long Parliament. [1611.] Strafford was executed and Laud sent to the tower. [19th of March, 1642.] Charles reached York, and on the 25th of August raised his standard at Nottingham. After a contest of three years Charles was overthrown at Nase- by [June 4th, 164.5.] While the civil war was raging in England, Virginia remained loyal. The decrees of the Courts of high commission were the rule of conduct in Virginia, and the authority of Archbishop Laud was as absolute in the Co- lony as in the Mother County. * Penal acts were passed against the Puritans, although there were none in the colony. [1642.] Ste- phen Reekes was pilloried for two hours with a label on his back, expressing his offence, fined d£50 and imprisoned during pleasure, for saying " that his majesty was at confes- sion with the Lord of Canterbury." t Dur- ing the troubles in England, the correspon- dence of the colony was interrupted, the supplies reduced and trade obstructed. The planters looked forward with solicitude to the uncertain issue of such alarming events. | In the mean time Lord Baltimore taking advantage of the weakness of the crown, had shown some contempt for its authority and had drawn upon himself the threat of a quo warranto. [1642,] Maryland had been torn by faction and ravaged by Indian incursions. Early in 1645, Clayborne taking advantage of the distractions of the mother country, and animated by a turbulent spirit and by a sense of wrongs long unavenged, at the head of a band of insurgents, expelled Lord Baltimore from Maryland, and seized the reins < ernment. [August 1616.] Baltimore, who had fled to Virginia, regained command of the province. § Nevertheless Clayborne and his confederates (with but few exceptions) emerged from this singular contesl in impu- nity. Opechancanough was succeeded by Neco- towance, styled " king of the Indians." In » See Hawks, p. 51. t Hening, vol. 1 , p. 552. Bi the date and the culprit's name. j Beverley, B. 1. p. •"> :. >'; < Ihalmei s*s ''. nnals, p >1. ".,', p. 07, mistake: October, 1646, a treaty was effected, by which he agreed to hold his authority from the king of England (who however was now bereft of his own) while the assembly enga- ged to protect him from his enemies, in ac- knowledgment whereof, Necotowance was to deliver to the governor a yearly tribute of twenty beaver skins at the departure of the wild geese; * — the Indians to occupy the country on the north side of York river, and to cede to the English all the country be- tween the York and the James from the falls to Kiquotan ; — death for an Indian to be found in this territory unless sent in as a messenger ; messengers to be admitted into the colony by means of badges of striped cloth, and in general, felony for a white man to be found on the Indian hunting-ground, which was to extend from the head of Yapin, the Black-water, to the old Mannakin town on the James river ; badges to be received at Fort Royal and Fort Henry, alias Appo- mattox, &c. t Fort Henry had been estab- lished not long before this, at the falls of the Appomattox; Fort Charles at the falls of the James; Fort James on the Chickahominy t and Fort Royal, § on the Pamunkey. [1647.] Certain ministers refusing to read the common prayer upon the Sabbath, were declared not entitled to tythes. || [1645.] An act had been passed to exclude mercenary attornies and [1647] they were expressly pro- hibited from taking any recompense and the courts were ordered not to allow any pro- fessional attornies to appear " in private cau- ses between man and man in the country. "U [164S.] A guard of ten men was allowed to the governor, to protect him against treach- ery from the Indians, who visited him under pretence of negotiation, and from the disaf- fected oi' " a schismaticall party" in the Co- lony.** [1648.] '-One Captain Brocas, a gentleman Counsel, ;i great Traveller, caused a vineyard to be planted and hath most excel- lent Wini' made." + Cohonk, "the cry of wild gees"," was one of the In- dian terms for w inter. i 1 [ening, vol. 1 , p. i ruler command ol Lieutenant Thomas Eolfe, son of Pocahontas. Towards the end of Kill, In' had petitioned I he ■ ovi rnoi for permission to visit Ins kinsman, i Ipechan- canough and Cleopat re, sister of his mother. Burk, vol. 2, I. fib 349. **I!j. 354. 1636-49.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 63 At Christmas, 1647, there were in the James river ten vessels from London, two from Bristol, twelve from Holland, and seven from New England. [1648.] "Mr. Richard Bennet had this veer out of his Orchard, as many Apples, as he made 20 Butts of excel- lent Cider." Sir William Berkley, " in his New Orchard, hath 15 hundred fruit-trees, besides his Apricocks, Peaches, Mellicotons, Quinces, Wardens and such like fruit." " Worthy Captaine Matthews, an old Planter of above thirty yeers standing, one of the Counsell and a most deserving Common- wealths-man," '-hath a fine house and all things answerable to it ; he sowes yeerly store of Hempe and Flax, and causes it to be spun ; he keeps Weavers and hath a Tan-house, causes Leather to be dressed : hath Shoemakers employed in their trade: hath forty J\'egroe servants, brings them up to Trades in his house. He yeerly sowes abun- dance of Wheat, Barley, &c. The Wheal he selleth at four Shillings the hushed ; kills store of Beeves and sells them to victual! the ships, when they come thither; hath abun- dance of Kine, a brave Dairy, Swine, great store and Poltery. He married the Daugh- ter of Sir Tho. Hinton, and in a word, keeps a good house, lives bravely and a true lover of Virginia; he is worthy of much honour."' There was, in 1648, a Free-school in \ r- ginia, with 200 acres of land appurtenant, a good house upon it, forty milch cows. tec. * "A New Description of Virginia," Force's Hist. Tracts, vol.2. There was published in 1648, "A Description of the Province of New Albion," the writer styling himself " Beauchamp Plantagenet of Beivil, in .New Albion, Es- quire." A royalist, flying from the fury of intestine vs.tr. he visited America, on behalf of a company of Adventu- rers, in quest of a place of settlement. In the course ol his wanderings, he visited Virginia. At "Newport's News" he received "kind entertainment at Captain Mat- thews, al Masti i Fantleroys and free quarter in all places, finding the Indian war ended, first by the valour, courage and hot charge of Captain Marshall and valiant Stilwel, and finished by the person-ill and resolute March ami V ic- tory of Sir William lovemour, thi re old King Ope C er." "I went to ( t ol Virginia, mi Paw ton It and Maryland, which I found healll ter thei t, tor then it was in war both •■ nocks ami all the Eastern Bay / idians and a civill war be- nts, assisted by 50 pi Virginians, by whom M. Leonard Calvert, Governour under his brother tiie Lord Baltamore, was ta pellet! : and the Isle of Kent taken from hi: tain Clayborn of Virginia ; yet 1 i ii . < c] Ki . and plashy having bad water." — See Description of New Albion, in 2 Force's Hist. Tracts. It was founded by Mr. Benjamin Symes. It is a pleasure to record the names of Mich public benefactors. "Other petty schools also we have" — probably such as now are known in Virginia as " old field school-." " " March 1648, JVickotowance came to James town, to our noble Governour, Sir William Bearkley, with five more petty kind's attend- ing him and brought twenty Beaver-skinnes, to be sent to king Charles, as he said, for Tribute." About this time the Indians re- ported to Sir William Berkley, "that within five days journey to the Westward and by South, there is a high mountaine and at foot 1 hereof great Rivers, that run into a great sea ; and that there are men that come hither in ships (but not the saute as ours be) they weave apparrell and have red caps on their heads and ride on Beasts like our Horses, but have much longer ears." These were probably the Spaniards. Sir William Berk- lev now prepared to make .'111 exploration with fifty horse and as many foot, t but he was disappointed in this enterprise. At this period the settlement of all the New England States had been commenced. The Dutch possessed the present States of New York, New Jersey and part of Connec- ticut and they had already pushed their set- tlements above Albany. The Swedes occu- pied the shores of Pennsylvania and Dela- ware. Maryland was still in her infancy. Virginia was prosperous. The country now known a- the Carolinas, belonged to the as- signees of Sir Robert Heath, but as yel no advances had been made toward- the occu- pation of it. { [1648. J Upon complaint of the necessi- ty - of the people, occasioned by barren and over-wrought land and want of range for cat- tle and hogs, permission was granted to re- move during the following year to the north side of Charles (York) and Rappahannock rivers. § [30th of January, 1649,] King Charles 1. u as beheaded. The commonwealth of Eng- land now continued till the restoration of Charles 1 1.. [1660. J Upon the dissolution of the monarchy there were not wanting those in Virginia, who held (hat the colonial * Hening, vol. 1, p. 353. + Hening, vol. 1, p. :J.">.'!. 1 Martin's lli-t. V (' . vol. 1, p. 105-6. y •' A New Description of Virginia," Force, vol. 2. 64 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XX. government being- derived from the crown, was now extinct. But the assembly, by an act of October 1649, made it penal to main- tain that opinion. The principle, however, was afterwards expressly recognized at the surrender of the colony to Cromwell's fleet [1651.] An assembly met at Jamestown [October, 1649,] about eight months alter the execution of Charles I. The first act amply attests its loyalty ; it expresses the profoundest venera- tion for the deceased king ; denounces all aspersions upon his memory as treasonable; declares it treason to doubt the right of prince Charles to succeed to the crown, or to propose a change of government in the colony, or to doubt the authority of the gov- ernor or government. * [1649.] There were in Virginia, at this period, 15,000 English, and " of Negroes, brought thither, three hundred good ser- vants." The number of cattle was estima- ted at 20,000, of horses 200, asses 50, sheep 3,000, goats 5,000. Swine, tame and wild, were innumerable. There were " six pub- like Brewhouses and most brew their own beer strong and good." Fish, fowl, venison, and vegetables were abundant. Indian corn yielded five hundred fold. Bees, wild and domestic, produced plenty of honey and wax. The culture of Indigo and hemp and flax, &c, was commenced. So much tobac- co was raised, that the price was only 3 pence per pound. There were 4 wind-mills, 5 wa- ter-mills, besides horse-mills aad hand-mills. No saw-mill had yet been erected. There came yearly to trade, 30 vessels, navigated with S00 seamen. They brought cargoes of cotton and woollen goods, shoes, stockings, &c. Many of the masters of these vessels and chief mariners, had plantations in the colony. The vessels cleared in March, car- rying out tobacco, staves and lumber. Pin- naces, barges and boats were numerous. A thousand colonists wi'i-c seated " upon the Acamake] shore, by Cape Charles, (where Captaine Yeardly is chief commander,) now called the county of Northampton." Bricks were now made in Virginia. "Since the massacre the Savages have been driven far * Hening, vol. I, 358 in note and 359, t The name of Aecomao was changed [1643] to North- ampton, but the original name was afterwards restored. 1 Hening, 249-224. away, many destroyed of them, their towns and houses ruinated, their cleer grounds pos- sessed by the English to sow wheat in; and their great king Opechankenow (that bloody monster upon 100 years old,) was taken by Sir William Berkely the Governour." "They have 20 Churches in Virginia and Ministers to each and the Doctrine and Orders after the Church of England: the Ministers' Liv- ings are esteemed worth at least 100/. per annum." * \ . CHAPTER XX. 1650—1659. Puritans in Virginia; Col. Norwood's Voyage to Virginia ; Despatched to Holland by Sir William Berkley; The Long Parliament prohibits trade and correspondence with Virginia ; Cnpt. Dennis with a small fleet demands the surrender of the Colony ; Sir William Berkley pre- pares for resistance, Is constrained to yield ; Articles of Capitulation; Berkeley goes into retirement, Provis- ional Government established ; Richard Bennet ap- pointed Governor; Miscellaneous Affairs. The assembly of dissenters collected by the three missionaries from Massachusetts amounted in 1648 to one hundred and eigh- teen members. They met with the continu- al opposition of the government. Mr. Du- rand, their elder, had already been banished by the Governor, and in this year their pas- tor, named Harrison, being ordered to de- part from the colony, retired to New Eng- land. On his arrival there he represented that many of the council were favorably dis- posed towards the introduction of Puritan- ism and " one thousand of the people by conjecture" were of a similar mind, t " It is to be understood that in the time of the late king, Virginia being whol for mon- archy and the last country belonging to Eng- land, that submitted to obedience of the * " A New Description of Virginia," pp. 1-8. Force's Mist. Tracts, vol. '2. \ Hawks, 57, citing 2 Savages. Winthrop 334. Dr. Hawks by italicising the words " by conjecture," signifies a doubt of the estimate. But when the prevalence of Puri- tanism in the mother country is recollected and the nu- merous ties which connected it with the colony and the influential correspondence between them, the wonder is rather that there should have been so few as a thousand " favorably disposed" towards Puritanism and not that there were so many as that number. 1649-59.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 65 Common-wealth of England. And there was in Virginia a certaine people congrega- ted into a Church calling themselves Inde- pendents, which daily increasing, several consultations were held by the state of that Coloney how to suppresse and extinguish them, which was daily put in execution; as first, their pastor was banished, next their other teachers, then many by informations clapt up in prison, then generally disarmed, (which was very harsh in such a country, where the heathen live round about them,) by one Colonel Samuel Matthews, then a Counsellor in Virginia, and since Agent for Virginia to the then parliament — and lastly in a condition of banishment, so that they knew not in those streights how to dispose of themselves." i A number of these dis- senters having gained the consent of Lord Baltimore and hi.- governor of Maryland, re- tired to Maryland ami settled there. Among these one of the principal was Richard Ben- net, a merchant and Roundhead. For a time these refugees prospered in their affairs and remained apparently content with their new place of abode, and others induced by their example likewise removed there. [1648.] Colonel Norwood, a loyal refugee in Holland, formed a scheme with two com- rades, Morrison and Fox, cavalier majors, to seek their fortunes in Virginia. [August, They accordingly met in London for the purpose of embarking. When they had first agreed upon their [dan, Charles I. was a prisoner at Carisbrook Castle, in the Isle of Wight, lie had since been execu- ted : the royalists saw their last embers of hope extinguished, and Norwood and his friends were eager to escape from the scene of their disaster.--. At the Royal Exchange, these three forlorn cavaliers engaged a pas- to Virginia, in ''The Virginia Mer- chant, burthen three hundred tons, of force thirt) guns or more." The charge for the re was "six pounds a head" for them- selves and servants. They broughl out some good.- for the purpose of mercantile adven- ture. [September 23, KJi'l.J They embark- ed in '-'flie Virginia Merchant," having on board "three hundred and thirty souls.'' Touching at Fyal, Col. Norwood and his * I, c;ili am! Rachel, by John Hammond, in Forces' Hist Tracts, vol. '■'■■ This John Hammond will appear again on a subsequent page. companions met with a Portuguese Lady "of great note" with her family, returning in an English ship, " The John," from the Brazils to her own country. With her they drank the healths of their kings amidst " thunder- ing peals of cannon." The English gentle- men discovered a striking resemblance be- tween the lady's son and their own prince Charles, which filled them with fond admira- tion and flattered the vanity of the beautiful Portuguese. Passing within view of the charming Bermuda, " The Virginia Mer- chant" sailing for Virginia struck upon a breaker, [November 8,] near Cape Hatteras. Narrowly escaping from that peril, she was overtaken by a storm and tossed by " moun- tainous towring north-west seas." Amid the honors of the evening scene, Norwood observed innumerable ill-omened porpoises, that "seemed to cover the surface of the sea, as far as our eyes could discern. - ' The vessel at length losing fore-castle and main- mast became a hulk, drilling at the mercy of the elements. Some were swept overboard by the billows that broke over her; the rest suffer- ed the tortures of terror and famine. At last the storm subsiding, the vessel drifted near the coast of the Eastern shore. Here Norwood and a party landing on an island were aban- doned by the ship. After enduring the ex- tremities of cold and hunger, of which some died, Norwood and the survivors in the midst of the -now, were rescued by a party of friendly Indians. In the meantime "The Virginia Merchant" Inning arrived in the James river, a messenger was despatched by Governor Berkley in quest of Norwood and his party. Conducted to the nearest planta- tions of the Virginians, they were every where entertained with the utmost kindness. Stephen Charlton, " a planter, " would al.-o oblige" Colonel Norwood to put on " a good farmer-like suit of his own wearing cloaths." After visiting Captain Yeardley, (son of Sir George, the former Governor,) the principal person in that quarter of the colony, Norw ood crossed the bay in a sloop and landed at " esquire Ludlow's plantation" on York river and next repaired to the neighboring plantation of Captain Wormley, t " of his majesty'.- council," where he found some of * Burgess from Northampton in 1652. Hening l,p. 275. f Ralph Wormley, Burjcss for York at thai time, ng 1,359. 66 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XX. his friends, recently arrived from England, "feasting and carousing*" The guests were " Sir Thomas Lundsford, Sir Henry Chickly, [Chicheley,] Sir Philip Honywood and Colo- nel Hammond." At Jamestown Norwood was cordially welcomed by his relative the Governor, Sir William Berkley, who took him to his house at Greenspring, where he remained for some months. Sir William Berkley " on many occasions shew'd great respect to all the royal party, who made that colony their refuge. His house and purse were open to all that were so qualify'd. To one of my comrades, (major Fox,) who had no friend at all to subsist on, he shewed a generosity that was like himself; and to my other, (major Morrison,) he was more kind, for he did not only place him in the command of the fort, * which was profitable to him while it held under the king, but did advance him after to the government of the country wherein he got a competent es- tate." t [May, 165'0.] " The governor," (says Nor- wood,) " sent me for Holland, to find out the king and to sollicite his majesty for the Treasurer's place of Virginia, which the Governor took to be void by the delinquency of Claybourne, who had long enjoyed it. He furnished me with a sum of money, to bear the charge of this sollicitation ; which took effect, tho' the king was then in Scot- land." | Bennet and the other dissenting Virgin- ians, who had settled in Maryland were not long there before they became dissatisfied with the Proprietary government. The au- thority of Papists was irksome to Puritans and they began to avow their aversion to the oath of fidelity, which the Proprietary gov- ernment imposed upon them, lor by the terms of-it, Lord Baltimore affected to usurp almost royal authority, claiming the obsolete privileges of the ancient County-Palatines of .Durham, concluding his commissions and writs with " We, us, and Given under our hand and greater seal of Arms in such a yeer of our Dominion." The protestants oi Maryland, especially the Puritans, saw in the political complexion of the Common- * Point Comfort. + Col. Francis Morrison became Governor in 1661, and held the office about IS months. X Force's Hist. Tracts, vol. 3. Churchill's Voyages, wealth of England a fair prospect of the speedy subversion of Baltimore's power. Nor were they disappointed in this hope. (October, 1650. J The Long Parliament passed an ordinance " for prohibiting trade with Barbadoes, Virginia, Bermuda and An- tcgo." This act recited that these colonies were and of right ought to be subject to the authority of parliament, that " divers acts of rebellion" had "been committed by many ns inhabiting Virginia, whereby they have most traitorously usurped a power of government and set up themselves in oppo- sition to this commonwealth." It therefore declared such persons " notorious robbers and traitor.-," forbade all correspondence or commerce with them and appointed com- missioners and despatched Sir George Ays- cue with a powerful ficet and army to re- duce Barbadoes, Bermuda and Antigua to submission. [September 26, 1651.] The council of State oi' whom Bradshaw was President, issued in- structions for " Captain Robert Dennis, Mr. Richard Bennet, Mr. Tho Steg * and Capt. William Claiborn, appointed Commissioners for the reducement of Virginia and the in- habitants thereof to their due obedience to the Commonwealth of England." A fleet was put under command of Captain Dennis. The commissioners embarked in the Guinea Frigate. They were empowered " to assure pardon and indemnity to all the Inhabitants of the said Plantations, that shall submit unto the present Government and Authority as it is established in this Commonwealth." "And in case they shall not submit by fair wayes and means, you are to use all acts of hostili- ty that lies in your power, to enforce them and if you shall find the people so to stand out as that you can by no other wayes or meanes reduce them to their due obedience, you or any two or more of you, whereof capt. Rob. Dennis to be one, have power to appoint captains and other officers and to raise for- ces within every of the plantations aforesaid for the furtherance and good of the service and such persons as shall come in unto you and s Tve as soldiers, if their masters shal stand in opposition to the present Govern- ment of this Commonwealth, you or any two or more of you, capt. Rob. Dennis to be one, * A " Mr. Thomas Siagg" was a resident planter of Vir- ginia in 1652. Sei 1. Hening, p. 375. 1649-59.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 67 have hereby power to discharge and sel free from their masters* all such persons so ser- ving as souldiers. In case of the death or absence of Capt. Dennis. Capt. Edmund Curtis, " commander of the Guinny Frigot" was to take his place, f [March, 1652,] Captain Dennis arrived at Jamestown and demanded a surrender of the colony. Sir William Berkley, with the hope of repelling them or of commanding better terms, prepared for a gallant resistance and undertook to strengthen himself, by making use of several Dutch ships, I which happened to be there engaged in a contraband trade, and which he hired for the occasion. There chanced however to be on board of the' Par- liament's fleet some goods belonging to two members of the Virginia Council. Dennis sent them word that their goods should be forfeited if the colony was not immediately surrendered. The threat kindled dissensions in the council, and the governor found him- self constrained to yield on condition of a general amnesty. § The capitulation was ratified [12th of March, 1652.] || It was a freed that the colony should be subject to the Commonwealth of England; that the submission should be considered voluntary, -'• not forced nor constrained by a conquest ypon the countrey, and that they shall have and enjoy such freedomes and priviled; belongto the free borne people of Engl the assembly to meet as formerly and I act the affairs of the colony, nothing how- ever to be "done contrarie to the govern- ment of the Commonwealth of England;" full indemnity granted for all offences against the parliament of England ; Virginia to " have and enioy the antient bounds and lymitts granted by the charters of the former kings and that we shall seek a new charter from the parliament to that purpose, against anythathave intrencht vpon the rights there- * The population of the colony in 1649 was estimated at " about fifieene thousand English and ol \. groes brought three hundred good servants." "A Perfect Description »l Vii mi. 1,1." 2 i t "Virginia and Maryland,*' p. 18-20, Force's In*;. Tracts, vol. 2. t Martin's History of N. (',, vol. 1, p L10. Martin makes the number of ships seven ; upon what ml know not. One ship only was confiscated. — See 1 Hon § Beverley, B. 1, p. 54. Keith, p. 147. Chalmers' An- nals, p. 123. II (1651,) Old style but nronerly 1652. of;"* "thai the priviledge of haveing ffiftie acres of land for every person transported in the collony, shall continue as formerly grant- ed;" "that the people of Virginia shall have free trade as the people of England do en- joy to all places and with all nations, accord- the lawes of that Commonwealth and that Virginia shall enjoy all priviledges equall with any English plantations in America;" Virginia to " be free from all taxes, customes and impositions whatsoever ami none to be imposed on them without, consent of the Grand Assembly, and soe that neither ffortes nor castles, bee erected, or garrisons main- tained without their consent;" no charge to be made upon Virginia on account of " this present flleet;" the engagement or oath of allegiance to the government of the Com- monwealth, to be tendered to all the inhabi- tants of Virginia; recusants to have " a yeare's time to remove themselves and their estates out of Virginia and in the mean time during the said yeare to have equall justice as for- merly;" the use of the book of common prayer to be permitted for one year, with the consent of a majority of the parish, " Provi- ded that those things which relate to king- shipp or that government, be not vsed pub- liquely, and ministers to be continued in their places," 'they nol misdemeaning themselves;' public ammunition, powder and arms to be up, security being given to make satis- i for them; rood.- already ''brought hither by the Dutch, to remain unmolested; the quit-rents " granted vnto vs by the late kinge for seaven yeares," to "bee confirm- ed;" the parliamentary commissioners " cn- o-age themselves and the honour of the par- liament for the full performance" of the arti- cles; the Governor and Council and Bur- . making the same pledge for the col- lony. t On the same day, | March 12th, ] some other artich s were ratified by the Commissioners and the Governor and Council of State. These artich s exempted the Governor and Council from taking the oath of allegiance, for a year and provided that they should not "be cen- sured Tor praying for or speaking well of the ;i one v, hole yeare, in their private i r it i rhbouring conference ;" Sir " This alludes to Lord Buliimore's intrusion into Mary- |l:,nr'. t I Hening, p. 363 68 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XX. William Berkley was permitted to send an Lord Baltimore. In the ensuing July the agent " to give an accompt to his Ma'tie of the surrender of the countrey ;" Sir William and the council were allowed to dispose of their estates and transport themselves " whe- ther they please." Protection of his estates and liberty were guaranteed to Sir William Berkley. The Captain of the " fforte" was allowed satisfaction for the building of his house " in fforte Island. *" A general amnesty was granted to all the inhabitants. In case Sir William or his Coun- cillors should " goe for London, or other place in England, that they or anie of them shall bee free from any trouble or hindrance of arrests, or such like in England, and that they may follow their occasions, for the space of six monthes, after their arrivall." t It would seem that s.ome important articles of surrender were not ratified by the Long Parliament. The 4th was "that Virginia shall have and enjoy the antient bounds and lymitts granted by the charters of the former kings, and that we shall seek a new charter from the Parliament to that purpose against any that intrencht against the rights thereof." This article was referred [August 1652,] to the committee of the Navy to consider what patent was fit to be granted to the inhabi- tants of Virginia. The 7th article was " That the people of Virginia have free trade as the people of England do enjoy to all places and with all nations according to the lawes of that commonwealth, and that Vir- ginia shall enjoy all priviledges equal! with any English plantations in America. The latter clause was referred to the same com- mittee. The 8th article was, "That Virginia shall be free from all taxes, customes and im- positions whatsoever and none to be imposed on them without consent of the Grand As- , I 1 1M . I I ill"! S, \ i "[. ... .V, i , sembly, and soe that neither ffortes nor cas- 1 ches have brought to light ties bee erected or garrisons maintained, without their consent.'' This was also refer- red to the Navy committee, together with several papers relative to the disputes be- tween Virginia and Maryland, &c. The com- mittee made a report, | December 31st, 1652.] which however seems wholly confined to the question of boundary and the contest with Long Parliament was dissolved. * The articles of capitulation were subscribed by Richard Bennet, William Clayborne and Edmund Curtis, commissioners in behalf of the parliament. Bennet, a merchant, and Roundhead, driven from Virginia by the in- tolerance of Sir William Berkley's admin- istration, had taken refuge in Maryland. Having gone out thence to England, his pu- ritanical principle.'^ and knowledge of the colonies of Virginia and Maryland had re- commended him for the place of commis- sioner. Clayborne, too, who had former- ly been obliged to fly to England, and whose olfice of treasurer of Virginia, Sir William Berkley had held to be forfeited by delin- quency and which the fugitive Charles bad bestowed on Colonel Norwood — this impet- uous and indomitable Clayborne was another of the commissioners, sent to reduce the colonies within the Chesapeake bay. A new era was now opened in these two colonies ami the prominent parts which Bennet and Clayborne were destined to perform in this novel scene, exhibit a signal example of the vicissitudes of human fortune. CHAPTER XXI. U .15 2— 1660. Do ml Clayborne reduce Maryland under Crom- well's authority; Cromwell's Letter; Digges elected Governor; Bennet returns to England, the Colony's Agent; Col. Edward Mill defeated by the Ricahecrians; Totopotomoi with greater part of his warriors shun ; All Freemen allowed to vote ; Samuel Matthews chosen Gov- * The Captain of the fori was Major Fox, the comrade of Norwood ; the fort was at Point Comfort t Heiinig, vol. 1, p 365-367. r irginia and Maryland," note to p. 20, in Force's Force whose laborious resear- such a magazine ol curious and instructive historical materials, appears to have been the first to draw attention to tl non-ratification" of these artii les. He is however not quite accurate in saj ing, that '• the fourth, seventh and eighth were not confirmed," for the itli granting free trade, was in the main substance con- firmed, onl) the latter clause which was pleonastick and of minor consequence was not ratified. The omission of all notice ol the lattei clause of the 7th and <*( the 8th article, in the commit lee's report, is un teeountable. Mi Force says " Three of the articles," " urn. not con- finned" and therefore did nol receive " the last formal and final and definitive ratification." which Burk (2.92) sup- poses thej did." Burk howevi r hi re referred only to the ratification by the parties at Jamestown and had no refer- ence i" tin 1 ult< riot confirmation by the Commonwealth .>'. England. 165-2-60.] HISTORY OF VIIU; IX I A. 69 ernor; Digges sent out us colleague of Bennet; Mat- thews orders a dissolution of the Assembly. The As- sembly resists ; Former elections ol Governor a point men ts o I Councillors annulled ; Matthews re-elect- ed ; Appointed agent conjointly with Bennet and Diggi s . Death of Oliver Cromwell ; Succeeded by his son Rich- ard ; The governmenl of Virginia under the Common- wealth of England. Shortly after the surrender of " the An- cient Dominion of Virginia," Bennet and Clayborne, Commissioners, embarking in the Guinea frigate, proceeded with that ship alone, to reduce Maryland. After effecting a reduction of the province, the Commis- sioners, with singular moderation, agreed to a compromise with those who held the pro- prietary government under Lord Baltimore. Stone the Governor and the Council, (part papists, none well affected to the Common- wealth of England,) werr allowed, (until further instructions should he received,) to hold their places on condition of issuing writs " in the Name of the Keepers of the Liberty of England." Sir William Berkley, upon the surrender of the colony, betook himself into retire- ment, in Virginia, where he remained free from every molestation and his house con- tinued to be a hospitable place of resort for refugee cm aliers. [April 30th, 1652.] Bonnet and Clay- borne, Commissioners, together with the Burgesses of Virginia, organized a Provis- ional Government, subjeel to the control oi the Commonwealth oi' England. Richard Bennet, a Roundhead, was made Governor, and William Clayborne Secretary of St: the colony, t The council appointed, con- sisted of " Capt. John West, Coll. Sam. Matthews, Coll. Nathaniel Littleton, Coll. Argall Yeamley, Coil. Tho. Pettus, Coll. Hump. Higginson, Coll. George Ludlow, Col. Wm. Barnett, Capt. Bri eman, <';ip;. Tho. Harwood, Major Wm. Taylor, Capt. ffrancis Eppes and Liev'tt Coll. John man.'' The Governor, Secretary and Council ■• are to have such power an 1 au- thorities am! lo act from time to time, as by tin' Grand Asse appoint! granted." t 'flu- governor and councillors were allow- * Virginia and ' Tracts, vol 2. CI t 1 Hening, p. 371. X Idem, p. 372. 11m:. ed to 1, mbly. VTaj 5th, 1652.] The assembly claimh right lo appoint all officers for the colony, yet for the present in token of their confi- dence in the commissioners, ill the appointments not already made to the ernor and them. ' Ami ihis urn was re- newed in the next year. The oath admin- l to the burgesses was ; — " you shall to act as a burgess for the place you serve for in this assembly, wiih the best of your judgment and advice for (lie general goo !, not mingling wiih it. any particular or private interest." At. the commencement of : ssion of November, 1652, Mr. John Hammond returned a Burgess from the hie oi' Wight, was expelled from the as- sembly, as being " notorious!} knowne a scandalous person and a frequent distur- ber of the peace of the country, by libell and other illegall practices." Hammond, who had passed ninetei n years in Virginia, :d to Maryland, t He was the aumor of (he pamphlel " Leah and Rachel." At the same lime wiih Hammond, the As- sembly expelled James Pyland, another Bur- gess of the Isle of Wight, and it was order- ed "thai he • tand comitted to answer such things as shall be objected against him, as an abettor of Mr. Thomas Woodward, in his mutinous and rebellious declaration. And concerning Ids the said Mr. Pyland blasphe- mous catechisme." I [1653.] There were now fourteen coun- 0, Charles ( !ity, lun Isle of Wight, Nanse- mond, York, Northampton, Noil lumberland, ■ ester and Lanca - 1< r. § The muni t Idem, p. S S 1 Hening, p. 37-1. * Idem, p ' iy, Henrico. Ch irli s Citj . Elizabeth City, '.\ ai ■■ iek River, V. - ■ , < 'ha lies River, ai led in IG34. I ' -. . ■■ d to 1 19. Tho ii. mi I ( 'ii.n'i. s Ri< .... , rin ries of I 'ppor and ! . mi i \ ; '. :', w ■ , : . I r Norfolk i — Id. p. 321 leiland first iiirni il, 1G15 Id |> ::.i». 1.331 ii w I. mi first 1 r part of York coui I) Id. p. 3 . . Raj pahannock formed from upper part cl Lancaster, Ll >G- Id. p. 12" 70 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXI. Burgesses in this year was 34. Upon the meeting of the Assembly, [July, 5th,] some difference occurred between the Governor and the House, relative to the election of Speaker. The affair, however, was compro- mised, and Bennet seems to have enjoyed the confidence of the Virginians. Several malecontents were punished for speaking contemptuously of the Provisional Govern- ment and for refusing to pay the " castle du- ties." * Owing to the war between Holland and the Protector, Sir William Berkley had not yet been able to depart from Virginia, in conformity with the Convention of 1651, and he therefore now became subject to ar- rest. But the Assembly passed an act sta- ting, " that as the war between England and Holland had prevented the confirmation of the Convention of 1651 in England, or the coming of a ship out of Holland and the said Sir William Berkeley desires a longer time, viz : — eight months from the date hereof, to procure a ship out of Flanders, in respect of the war with Holland and that he be cus- tom free for such tobacco as he shall lade in her; — it is condescended, that his said re- quest shall be granted." t Some seditious disturbances having taken place in North- ampton, on the Eastern Shore, it was found necessary for the Governor and the Secre- tary, with a party of gentlemen, to repair thither for the purpose of restoring order. Edmund Scarborough was a rinp--leader in these disorders. l\i this year land was granted to Roger -Green and others, living in Nansemond county, for exploring and settling the coun- try bordering on the Moratuck or Roanoke } and Chowan rivers. In the preceding \ ear. Col. William Clayborne and Capt. Henry Fleet were authorized to make discoveries to the South and West. § " Diverse gentle- men" wvn-, [1653,] permitted to "discover the Mountains." || At the meeting of the assembly, [1654,] ■" 1 Hening, p 379. I'.n.k 2, p. 95-SG. f Burk 2, p. 99-100. Ilr a I. p 3 I X Tins River was called Moraiiiek or MoratoeU above the falls, Roanoke !>i low. Roanoke signified "sin II ;" Roanoke and Wampum-peal i wi n ti nns lor Indian shell- ,'lll'llr\ . $ 1 Hening, p. 377. II Idem, p. 381. William Hatcher, being convicted of having called Colonel Edward Hill, speaker of the House, " an atheist and blasphemer," was compelled to make acknowledgment of his offence upon his knees, before Colonel Hill and the assembly. This Hatcher appears to have been a burgess of Henrico in 1652. * More than twenty years afterwards, in his old age, he was fined eight thousand pounds of pork, for the use of the king's soldiers, on account of mutinous words uttered shortly after Bacon's rebellion, t [April 20th, 1653.] Cromwell dissolved the Long Parliament, and on the 16th of De- cember in the same year became " Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of Eng- land, Scotland and Ireland." In the meantime, Stone, (who since June 28th, 1652, had continued in the place of Governor of Maryland,) in consonance with the instructions of Lord Baltimore, violated the terms of the compromise arranged with Bennet and Clayborne, in behalf of the Parliament. These commissioners address- ed a letter to Stone proposing an interview. He made a rude reply and indulged in this expression, " We in plain terms say we sup- pose you to be Wolves in Sheep's clothing." Bennet and Clayborne, now "by authority derived from his Highness the Lord Protec- tor," siezed the government of the province and intrusted it to a board of ten Commis- sioners, t When Lord Baltimore received intelligence of if, he wrote, [Nov., 1654,] lo Stone reproaching him with cowardice and peremptorily commanded him to recov- er the colony by force of arms. "Stone and all Maryland fall to arms and disarm and plunder those that would not accept the aforesaid oath" of allegiance to Baltimore. Maryland contained many emigrants from \ irginia of Puritan principles. These dwelt mainly on the banks of the Severn and the Patuxent and on the Isle of Kent. They were disaffected to the Proprietary govern- ment and protested that they had removed to Maryland, under t|| ( . express engagement of Stone, that they should be exempt from the obnoxious oath. Part of the recusants now took up anus and civil war desolated the in- ■ 1 1, iiiii", x ol. 1 , p. 3G9. t Hening, \ ol. '.', p. 551. \ " Virginia and Maryland," Force's Hist. Tracts, vol. 2. 1652-60.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 71 fant Maryland. At length, in an action, Stono and his people were utterly defeated. "There were near double the number in Prisoners to the Victors; twenty slain, many wounded, and all the place strewed with Papist beads where they fled." Tims Maryland became subject to the Pro- tectorate. Among the prisoners was the Governor, Stone, who had been " shot in many places." Several of the prisoners were condemned to death by a court martial. Four of the princi- pal, one of them a councillor, were executed on the spot. Stone likewise sentenced, owed his escape to the intercession " of some wo- men" and the interposition of some of Ben- net and Clayborne's people, t John Ham- mond, (the same that had been two years before expelled from the Virginia Assem- bly,) one of the condemned, lied in disguise and escaped to England in the ship Cres- cent, t The administration of the Commissioners was rigorous. Religious freedom was al- lowed by the assembly to all except papists. Such were likewise Milton's views of toler- ation. § Cromwell soaring higher com- manded the commissioners " not to busy themselves about religion, but to settle the civil government." And remembering Lord Baltimore's ready submission to his authori- ty, restored him to the command of the province. The following letter was written by the Protector to curb the violent contest * It was the custom of the Maryland Romanists to cel- ebrate, .Inly 31st, the anniversary of Si. Ignatius Mary- land's patron Saint by a salute of cannon. [1656] On August 1st, the day following the anniversary, "certain 3oldiers, unjust plunderers, Englishmen indeed by birth, of the heterodox faith," aroused by the nocturnal report oi the cannon, issued from theit fori 5 miles distant, rushed upon the habitations of the Papists, broke into them and plundered whatever there was there >il arms or powder While's Relation. Force, vol. 1. + "Leah and Rachel." Force's Mist. Tracts, vol. 3. Chalmers 1 Political Annals, p. 222. f The Master of this vessel was " amersed" "in deep penalties by the Virginia Assembly, for canning off Ham mond, without a pass." I. rah and Rachi I, p. 29. Force's Hist. Tracts, vol. '■'•. "I! ni the conditions being treachi rous ly violated, fourol the captives and threooflhem Catholics were pierced with leaden balls." The Jesuit fathers hotly pursued escaped to Virginia, where they inhabited "a mean hilt, low anil depreSSI 'I, not much unlike a eistrill 01 even the tomb m which that great defender of the faith, St, Athanasius, lay concealed for many years." White's Re- lation. Force, vol. t. § Milton's Prose Works, vol. 2, p. 310. of Virginia and Maryland respecting their boundary. "To the Commissioners of Maryland. Whitehall, 26th September, 1655. Sirs, It seems to us by yours of the 29th of June, and by the relation we received by Colonel Bennet, that some mistake or scru- ple hath arisen concerning the sense of our Letters of the 12th of January last — as if by our Letters we had intimated that we should have a stop put to the proceedings of those commissioners who were authorized to set- tle the civil government of Maryland. Which was not at all intended by us ; nor so much as proposed to us by those who made ad- dresses to us to obtain our said Letter. But our intention, (as our said Letter doth plain- ly import,) was only to prevent and forbid any force or violence to be offered by either of the Plantations of Virginia or Maryland from one to the other upon the differences concerning their bounds. The said differ- ences being then under the consideration of Ourself and Council here. Which for your more full satisfaction we have thought fit to signify to you ; and rest your loving friend, Oliver P." * [March, 30th, 1655.] Edward Digges was elected Governor, t He succeeded Bennet who had held the office from the 30th of April, 1652, and who was now appointed the colony's agent at London. [1656.] Six or seven hundred Ricahecrian Indians came down from the mountains and seated them- selves near the falls of James river. Colo- nel Edward Hill, the elder, with a body of men was ordered to dislodge them. He was reinforced by Totopotomoi, J chief of Pa- munkey, with one hundred of his tribe. Hill was defeated and Totopotomoi with the greater pari oi' his warriors slain. § Hill, on t * Carlyle's Cromwell, rol. '-', p 182. f Hening, vol. I, p. I { There is a Creek in Hanover Called Tolopotomoy . •'The mighty Tottipotimoy Sent to our elders an envoy ( Jomplaining sorely el the breach OI league held forth by brother Patch." Hudibras, < U I '■> Thatche, ' raphy, vol. 1. p. I'M. A It sci ins not improbable that Bloody Run, neai Rich- mond. derived Its name from this battle, instead ol tin' one in which Bacon was afterwards engaged, with whi dition has connected this rivulet. HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXL account of his misconduct in this affair, was compelled to pay the cost of the expedition and di ' In this year an act was passed allowing al! free km n the right of vo- ting for bin mid that " it is something hard and unagreeable to reason that any j yet have no votes in elections." t So re- publican v I tive franchise in Vir- ginia near two centi I [1656.] Col- onel Thomas Dew, of ' md county, sometime before Speaker of the Housi others were authorized to explore the coun- try between Cape Hatteras and Cape Fear. The county of Nansemond had Ion : b edwith non-conformists. J [March 13, 1658,] Samuel Matthews was elected Governor in the place of Digges, who was sent, out to assist Bennet in the agency at London early in 1656. Matthews was "an old planter of nearly forty years standing," had been a member of the council, [1624,] and now "a most ' commonwealth's man, kept id house, lived bravely and was a true lover of Virginia." § The burgesses now rescinded the order admitting the governor and council as members of their House and voted an adjournment. Matthews, on the 1st of April, declared a dissolution of the assembly. The I e resisted il and after an oath oi the ml were en- ! not to betray their trust by submis- sion. The Governor yielded, reserving an appeal to the Protector. The burgesses now voted the governor's answer unsatisfactory and he re\ oked the order of d ion, still referring tic decision to Cromwell. The House now appointed a committee of which John Carle;-, <>!' Lanca: ter, w as chief, and nia.de a decl n oi' popular sovereignty. The forme ' wernor and pointments of conn reed to be void, and was re-< Ii ;ted and invested " with all the just rights and privi- beloi ing to the Governour and Cap- * Bmk 2, | | I! [ling, vol. 1, 1 Bancroft, vol. 2, p. 131. ye powers of logic ! when the pre hit i. sis and the Presbyti i i ans of old times went by the ears together in this unlucky country, my ancestor (venerated be his memory !) was one ol the people called Quakers and suffered severe handling on either side, even to the extenuation of his purse and the incarceration of his poison." Such was the fortune ol the Quakers in Virginia. Charles, of ever blessed memory," and as •■ my ever honoured Master,"' who " was put to a violent death." Alluding to the surren- tid, the Parliament sent a small power to force my submission to them, which finding me defenceless, was quietly (God pardon me) effected." Of the several parliaments and the protectorate he remarked, "And, I believe, Mr. Speaker, you think, if my voice had been prevalent, inmost • Robertson's History of America, vol. 4, p 230. Bev- erley, B. I, p. 55. Chalmers' Annals, p. I'-'i Burk, vol. 2, p. I20. Si e also II, ■iiiiil'. vol. I, p 526. Heni roctcd these errors and Ins conei tion has been indubitably confirmed. An enor in history is like sheep jumping ovei a bridge. If one goes, the rest all follow. 10 74 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXII. of their elections, I would not voluntarily have made choice ul'tlieni for my Supreames. But, Mr. Speaker, all this I have said, is one- ly to make this truth apparent to you, that in and under all these mutable governments of divers natures and constitutions. I have lived most resigningly submissive. But, Mr. Speaker, it is one dutie to live obedient to a government and another of a very difierenl nature, to command under it." The assembly repeatedly declared, thai, there was then " no general! confessed pow- er" in England ; in a word, that it was an interregnum. The fictions which history has recorded on this head, are as idle as the tales of oriental romance. ' The assembly having proffered the office of Governor to Sir William Berkley, he on the 19th of March, 1660, made a reply, in which he said : — " I doe therefore in the pre- sence of God and you, make this sale pro- testation for us all, that if any supreame set- tled power app< ires, 1 will imediately lay down my comission, but will live most .sub- missively obedient to any power God shall set over me, as the experience of < ight years have shewed I have done." t Sir William was elected on the 21st of the same month, about two months before the restoration of Charles 11. Yet the word king, or majesty, occurs no where in the [< tive records, from the commencement of the Commonwealth in England, until the 11th of October, lb'o'Q — more than four months after the restoration.} Virginia was indeed loyal, but she was too feeble to express her loyalty. * Beverley probably originated iliis tissue of fictions Chal rs' ought in have known better, foi he had access to the English archives. f Southern Literary Messenger for January, 1815, where ir iy be found Sii William's curious speech on this 01 ca- sion and king Charles the second's commission to him. These documents were published by thi i able au- licjuai y, Petei Force, Esq. "The Councill's Assenl to the choice of Sir William Berkley. " Wee doe unanimously concur in the election of Wil- liam Berkeley to be the pre.si nl Governoiir of this Colon) \! n I I ■> GO.] Rich. Bennet, Tho. Claiborne, W. Bernard, Edw. Hill, John Walker, Tho. Dewe, Geo. : '> ade, lvl .\ . I larfpi , Tho. Pettus, Tho. Swann, Au er." } Hening, vol. ~>, p. 9, in When Argall, in 1U14, * returning from his half-piratical excursion against the French, at Fort Royal, entered the waters of New York, he found three or four huts, erected by Dutch mariners and fishermen on the is- land of Manhattan. In near a half century that had now elapsed, ^\ic colony there had grown to an importance that justified diplo- matic correspondence. In the Spring of 16b0, Nicholas Varleth and Brian Newton were sent by governor Stuyvesant, from Fort Amsterdam to Virginia, for the purpose of forming a leagi ; I ov iedgin ■ the Butch title to New York. Sir William made an artful evasion in the following letter. " SlR, — I have received the letter you were I to send me by Mr. Mills his vessel, and shall be ever ready to comply with you, in all acts of neighbourly friendship and amity ; but truly sir, you desire me to do that concerning your letter and claims to land in the Northern part of America, which I am incapable to do ; for I am but a servant of unl ly'i ; neither do they arrogate any power to themselves, farther than the mise- rable distractions of England force them to. For when God shall be pleased in his mercy to take away and dissipate the unnatural cli- vi ions of their native country, they will im- mediately return to their own professed obe- dience. What then they should do in mat- ters of conir act, donation and confession of right, would have little strength or significa- tion; much more presumptive and imperti- nent would it be in me to do it without their knowledge or assent. We shall very shortly meet again, and then if to them you signify your desires, 1 shall labour all I can to gel you a satisfactory answer. J am, sir, your humble servant, William Berkley." 20, 1660. Peter Stin vesant, the last of the Dutch governors of New Amsterdam, within a few years was dispossessed by an English squad- ron. This; letter of Sir William Berkley was written nearly three months after the resto- ration, . i he alludes to the English gov- ernment as still in a state of interregnum, and writes nol one word i.i recognition of ; jestj . ( Iharles 11. " Stilh, p. 13 ;. Bancroft, vol. I, p. 1 IS, and vol. :. p. es this dati 1613. 1660-69.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 75 The restored Charles transmitted a new commission, dated July 31, 1660, at Westmin- ster to his faithful adherent, Berkley. His let- ter of acknowledgment written March 18th. 1661, is full of extravagant loyalty. He apol- ogizes for having accepted office from the Assembly thus: "if was noe more may it please your Majestie, than to leape over the fold to save your Maj lock, when your Majesties enemies of that fold had barred up the lawfull entr; o it. and enclosed the Wolves of Si isme and rebellion ready to de- vour all within it," . [1661.] The settlements of Virginia extend- ed from the Potomac to the Chowan, besides the isolated Accomac. There were fifty Par- ishes. The plantations lay dispersed along die banks of rivers and creeks, those on the James str< I bove a hundred miles into the interior. E Paris] nded many miles in length te ri\ er's side, breadth ran back only a mile. This was the average breadth of the plantations, their length varying from half a mile to three miles or more. The fifty parisl tnprehending an area supposed to be equal to one half of England, it was inevitable that many of the inhabitants lived very r< mote from the parish church. Many parishes indeed as yet were destitute of churches and glebes. Not more than ten parishes were supplied with minis- ters, f Where there were ministers, worship was usually held once on Sunday. But the remote pari ! iom seldom atti nded. The planters, v hether from indifference or from the want of means, were negligent in the building of churches. "And hence it" was "that through the licentious lives of many of them the Christian Religion" was "dishon- oured and th" Name of God" " blasphemed among the Heathen, who" were ■■ mar them * See Sir William Bei Mi \ 's : the Council's a si nl to his election, the new commission and Sir William's answer, published by Peter Force, I'. ;ij., in the .Sou. Lit. Messenger for January, I t Sonn i wore far from being exemplai y. "The} then began to , . ! home for Go.?pi I ters and larg \ ■ ulcil lor their mainti nance , I3u! 1 .in 1 nol handsomely in England very few ol iversaiion would ad\ enlure thithci (;is thi a place v hi rein sun \ ihe . m ol God ivas not,) vet man) cam.', such as wore Bhi . could babble in .1 I'ul- pel . . ■ are m a T.n - mers and rathei by theirdisso uti 11 >-< destroy than feed Leah and Rachel. .> F01 and oft among them and consequently their Conversion hindered." ' The general want of schools, likewise ow- ing to the sparseness of the population, was •■ most of all bewailed of Parents" in Virgi- nia. The want of schools was more deplor- ed than the want of churches. The children of Virginia, naturally "of beautiful and come- ons and generally of more ingenious spirits than" those " in England," were doom- ed to grow up ■• unserviceable for any great employments in Church or State." As a principal remedy for these ills, the establishment of Towns was recommended. It was further proposed, to erect schools in the colony, and lor the supply of Ministers, to establish Virginia Fellowships at Oxford and Cambridge, with an engagement to serve the Church in Virginia for seven years. A further pari of this plan was to send over a Bishop, ■■ so soon as there shall be a City for his See." These recommendations, however, although urged [September 2, 1661,] with forcible arguments upon the attention of the Bishop of London, seem, from whatever cause, to have proved abortive. I The assembly of March 23rd, 1661, con- sisted in the main of new members. Another session was held in October of the same year, and ii contained still fewer of the members who had held seats during the Common- wealth. Intelligence of the restoration of Charles 2nd, had already reached Virginia and was joyfully received. An address was sent to the king, praying a pardon to the in- habitants of the country for having yielded to a force which they could nol resist! Forty- four thousand pounds of tobacco were ap- propriated to Major General Hammond and Colonel Guy Moles worth, for being "employ- ed" "in the address." Sir Henr} Moody w as despatched as ambassador "to the Mana- dos" (New York.) The assembly strove to display its loyalty by bountiful appropriations to the governor and the leading royalists. The restoration in Engla i ! n as perfectly re- flected b) n in Virginia. The * Virgin ia's ( 'u i p 6, in 3rd Force. + " Virginia's Cure" (3rd Force ) This pamphlet, print- • it I, i, 1GG'2, was drawn up b) a clergyman, whose initials, It. G..only are given. From his in tun ite ai cpiain- ' ince v ith i he condition of Virginia, it is to be inl thai he hud resided here. "Virginia's Cure" is written with uncommon perspicuity and vi or, and in a spirit of earnest 76 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXII. necessity of circumstances had made t hf government of the colony republican. For a short time Sir William Berkely had been identified with this system. He and the new assembly were now eagerly running in an opposite tack and were impatient to wipe away all traces of their late forced disobedi- ence and involuntary recognition of the pop- ular sovereignty. Sir William Berkeley was sent to England, agent to defend the colony, against the Vir- ginia Company, whir!) was still laboring to resume its sway.* He embarked in May, 1661, and returned in the fall of 1662, f— His pay, on account of this embassy, was two hundred thousand pounds of tobacco. Besides this amount he received sixty thou- sand pounds of tobacco for his services as governor. The whole of his emol- uments thus amounted to the enormous quan- tity of .seven hundred and forty-three hogs- heads of three hundred and fifty pou and worth upwards of nine thousand dollars. The assembly's tone was now altered ; du- ring the commonwealth, Oliver Cromwell had been addressed as "his Highness," and the burgesses had subscribed themselves "his most humble, most devoted servants." Nor had Richard Cromwell been treated with less respectful submission. But now the follow- ing language was employed : — " Whereas, our late surrender and submission to that execrable power, that soe bloodyly massacred the late king Charles the 1st, of ever blessed and glorious memory, hath made us by ac- knowledging them, guilty of their crimes, to shew our serious and hearty repentance and detestation of that barbarous act, Bee it en- * While ho was in England, the Assembly sent in him a copy of ilif revised Laws in order tli;il he should procure their ratification. Hening, vol 2, pp. I til 18. t Hening, vol. 2. pp. 7 and IT. Bancroft, vol. 2, p. 197, seems to have [misconceived the object "I Sir William's mission : " The apprehensions ol \ irginia u. re pa. .is- ni ti by the establish nt of the colonial monopoly in the na- vigation act, and [he assembly alarmed at [his open viola- tiiui of iIm.' natural and prescriptive "freedoms" ol the colony, appointed Sir William Berkeley its agent to pre- sent the grievances of Virginia and procure theii redress." It is true, however, that Sir William, from inleresl or patri- otism, or both, was strenuous]) opposed to the commercial monopoly. But if Berkley, while Colonial Agent, < x- erted himself in opposil to the Naviy ition Act, his ef- forts were altogether fruitless, Grahame, vol I, n 95, says that Virginia " warml) rem mst rated" n& si the \el t The average weight ol a Hogshead ol Tobacco at this peii id, was about 350 pounds. Hening, vol, 1, p, 135, acted that the 30th of January, the day the said king was beheaded, be annually solem- nized with fasting and prayers, that our sor- rowes may expiate our crime and our teares wash away our guilt." * The pdace of Berkeley was filled during his absence by Colonel Francis Morrison, elected Governor and Captain General by the Council. The 29th of May, the birth-day of Charles II., was made an anniversary holiday. The navigation act was now in full force in Vir- ginia. The price of tobacco fell very low, while the cost of imported goods was en- hanced. I An act prohibiting the importa- tion of luxuries seems to have been negati- ved by the governor. \ It was ordered that " no person hereafter shall trade with the Indians, for any bever, otter or any other furies, unlesse he first obteine a commission from the governour." This act gave great offence to the people. It was in effect an indirect monopoly of the fur trade. By a still more high-handed measure, the gover- nor and council were empowered to lay tax- es for three years, unless in the mean time some urgenl occasion should necessitate the calling together of the assembly. Thus the power of taxation, the main safeguard of freedom, was given to the executive. Major John Bond, a magistrate, was disfranchised " for factious and schismaticall demeanors. "§ independent spirit, however, gleamed in a resolution, declaring that the king's par- don did not extend to a penalty for planting tobacco contrary to law. || An act making provision for a college, seems to have remain- ed a dead letter; others equally futile were enacted iu ensuing sessions. Colonel Wil- liam Clayborne, Secretary of State, was dis- placed by Thomas Ludwell, commissioned by the king. In a revision of the laws, it was ordered, thai all acts which " might keep in memory our inforced deviation from his majestie's obedience," should be "repealed and expunged. "11 Although there were not ministers in above one-fifth of the parishes, yet the laws demanded strict conformity and * Hening, vol. 2, p. 24. t Bancroft, vol. 2, pp. 178199 X Hening, vol 2, p. 18. The conjecture is Mr. Jeffer* sum's. S^ I lening, vol 2, p. 3'J. || Ibid, vol. 2, p. 36. % Ibid, vol. 2, p. 42, 16G0-G9.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 77 required all to contribute to the established church. Tin.' vestry was now invested with the power of perpetuating its own body, by filling; vacancies themselves. * The assem- bly declared a determination to adhere, as near as "the capacity and constitution" of the country would admit, " to those ex- i and often refined laws of England." t The sses declare that " they have set down certain rules to be observed in the govern- ment of the church, until God shall please to turn his majesty's pious thoughts" towards them and " provide a bett< r supply of min- isters." | The "pious thoughts" of Charles II. (if he ever had any) were never turned to this remote corner of his empire. The magis- trates, hitherto called commissioners, were now styled "justices of the peace," and their courts, " county courts." § A duty was laid on rum, because it " had by experience been found to bring diseases and death to diverse people." An impost first established during the commonwealth, || was still levied on every hogshead of tobacco exported. This became a fixed source of revenue and rendered the executive independent of the legislature. The numerous acts relating to the Indians were reduced into one; prohibiting the Eng- lish from purchasing Indian lands; securing their persons and property; preventing en- croachments on their territory: ordering the -h seated near to assist them in fencing their corn-fields ; licensing them to oyster, fish, hunt and gather the natural fruits of the country; prohibiting trade with them with- out license, or imprisonment of an Indian km: 1 without special warrant; hounds to be annually defined; badges of silver ami cop- per plate to he furnished to Indian kings; no Indian to enter the English confines with- out a badge, under penalty of imprisonment, till ransomed by one hundred arms length ol roanoke, (Indian shell-money;) Indian kings, tributary to the English, to o-ive alarm of an- * H inoroft, vol. ", p. 201. Hening, vol. '.'. p. 1 1. -f I !ha!mprs' Introduction to a History of the Revolt of I lie American Col huh s, vol. 1 , p. lot. Honing, vol. 'J. p. 43. 1 [1661.1 The lirv - Philip Mallory was sent out to En i land to solicii theeaiise of the , ini i. 'J Hen- uiL'. 1 1. 34. \ i stii s were ordered in procure subsci for Uie support of the Ministry.— lb. p. 37. <) Hening, vol. :.', p. 59. J I Chalmers' Introduction, vol. J, p. 101. proach of hostile Indians; Indians not to be sold as slaves, &c. Wahanganoche, king of Potomac, charged with treason ami murder b\ Captain Charles Brent, before the assembly, was acquitted, and I'nnt, with others concerned, was order- ed to pay Wahanganoche a certain sum of roanoke and some match-coats. The offen- ders were moreover disfranchised ami held to security for their good behavior.! In December, 1662, the assembly declared that " many schismaticall persons out of their aversenesse to the orthodox established re- ligion, or out of the new-fangled conceits of their owne hereticall inventions, refuse to have their children baptised" and imposed on such a fine of two thousand pounds of tobacco. | The General Court of Boston, in New England, having discharged a servant belonging to William Drummond, an inhabi- tant of Virginia, the assembly ordered repri- sal to be made on the property of some per- son residing at Boston. An act passed during the commonwealth for the suppression of the sect of Quakers, was now made still more rigorous. Persons attending their meetings were fined, for the first offence, 2001bs. of tobacco, for the se- cond, 5001bs., for the third, banished. § Mr. Durand, elder of a Puritan " very or- thodox church," in Nansemond county, had been banished from Virginia, by Sir William Berkley, in 1648. [166 r 2.] The Yeopim In- dians granted to "George Durant" the neck of land in North Carolina, which still bears his name. He was probably the exile. April 1, lb'b*3, George Cathmaid claimed a large grant of land upon the holders of Albemarle Sound, in reward for having colonized sixty- seven persons in that province. In the same year, Berkeley was commissioned to insti- tute a government over this newly settled re- gion, which in honor of general Monk, now made Duke of Albemarle, received the name which time has transferred to the sound. [| 1. ,V- I 19 150. * Henins + Hening i Hening, vol. 2, p. 16G. Bancroft, vol. 2, p. 202 in note, | concludes iii.it these persons were Baptists .mil adds, "Anabaptists are again named. lien., vol. 2, p. 198." Bui here the Anabaptist was a quaker. Bapl Ms ii is true, reject infaril Baptism; but they who reject infanl Baptism ' y Baptists The Baptists ol Virginia, nt day, " disclaimed all connect ion with the Anabap- tists." See Si mple's \ irginia Baptists, p. 21. ning, vol. 2, pp. 180-183. ■ p '1S.c9.97. Bancroft, vol. 2, pp. 134-135 78 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXIII. [1663.] The Assembly of Virginia denned the boundary between Virginia and Maryland and ordered Colonel Edward Scarburgh, Surveyor General, "to improve his best abil- ities in all other his majesty's concernes of land relating to Virginia, especially that to the northward of fforty degrees of latitude, being the utmost bounds of the said Lord Baltimore's grant." * [1666.] Maryland and North Carolina con- senting to a "stint," as it was then styled, the assembly of Virginia ordered a tot al sation of the cultivation of tobacco during the following year, t [1667.] Sir William Berkeley sent out a company of fourteen English and as many Indians, under command of Captain Henry Batt, to explore the Indian country. Setting out from the Appomattox river, in seven days they reached the foot of tin 1 mountains. The first ridge was nut very high or steep ; but after crossing that, they encountered others that seemed to touch the clouds and so steep that in a day's march, they could not advance more than three miles in a direct line. They found extensive valleys of richest verdure, abounding with turkies, deer, elk and buffa- lo, gentle and undisturbed as yet by the tear of man. Grapes were seen of the size of plums. After passing over the mountains, they came upon a delightful level country and ■discovered a rivulet that flowed to the West- ward. Following it for some days, they reached old fields and cabins recently occu- pied by the natives. Batt left toys in them. Not far from these cabin:-, at some marshes, the Indian guides halted and refused to go any further, saying that not far oil' dwelt a powerful tribe that never suffered strangers that discovered their towns to escape. Batt was compelled to return. Upon receiving his report, Sir William Berkeley resolved to make an exploration himself. But his pro- ject was frustrated by the troubles that shortly after fell upon the country, t About this time, each county of Virginia was required to provide a weaverand a loom.§ The thirty tribes of Indians comprised within the Powhatan confederacy, south of the Potomac, at the time <,(' the first landing * 2. Hening, pp. 1 83- 1. \ Account "I Bacon's Rebellion in \ irginia ' Annals, pp. U 82 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXIV. John Washington had arrived in the colony about the year 1658. Not long after, being, as has been conjectured, a surveyor, he had made locations of lands, which, however, were set aside, until the Indians, to whom these lands had been assigned, should vacate them. [1667.] He was a member of the house of burgesses.* To return to the siege ; six of the Indian chiefs sent out from the fort on a parley were shot down by the mi- litia. The savages now made a desperate resistance, subsisting partly on horses cap- tured from the whiles, and at the end of six weeks, seventy-five warriors, with their wo- men and children, pressed by famine, evac- uated the fort in the night, marching off by the light of the moon, making the welkin ring with yells of defiance, and putting to death ten of the militia found asleep. The savages making their way by the head waters of the Potomac, Rappahannock, York, and James, murdered such of the inhabitants as they met, to the number of sixty — sacrifi- cing ten ordinary victims for each one of the clue!'-; that they had lost. They now sent a message to the governor by an English in- terpreter declaring themselves ready for peace or for war. t At the falls of the James they had slain a servant of Nathaniel Bacon, Jr., and his over- seer, to whom he was much attached. J He vowed to avenge their blood. In that peri- od of apprehension and alarm, the more cx- posed and defenceless families deserting their homes, took shelter in houses of greater numbers and fortified them with palisades and redoubts. Neighbors banding togethei passed in co-operating parties from planta- tion to plantation, taking arms with them into the fields where they labored, ami post- * Burk, vol. 2, p. lit. See also " An accouni ot out late troubles in Virginia, written in IC76, bj Mrs. An. Cot- ton, of Q. Creeke," p. 3, in Force's Historical Tracts, vol. 1 . Tins curious document was published From the original manuscript in the Richmond Enquirer, of 12th Sept., 1804. T. M's account, no less interesting, u us n published in the same paper. !i may also be found in the Religious and Lit- erary Magazine, edited by Rev. Dr. John H. Rice. The discrepancies between the several n Litmus can hardly be leconciled. f " Narrative of the Inch an and civil wars in Virginia in the year 1675 and KiTii." p. 1 in Force's' Hist. Tracts, vol. 1. Tins account is evidently, in the main, if not altogether, by the same hand with the letter bearing the signature oi Mis. An Cotton. Several passages arc identical. These documents displaj genius and satirical wit. t Bacon himsell resided at Curie's on the James river. Accouni in V a. Gazette. entinels to give warning of the insidious foe. No man ventured out of doors unarmed. The Indians, in small parties, stealing with furtive glance through the shade of the forest, the noiseless tread of the moccason scarce stirring a leaf, prowled around like pan- thers in quest of prey. At length the peo- ple at the bead of the James and the York, exasperated by the wrongs of a government so vigorous in oppression and so imbecile for deience, and .alarmed at the slaughter of their neighbors, — often murdered with circum- stances of cruel torture and barbarity, — rose tumultuously in their own defence and chose Nathaniel Bacon, Jr., for their leader. Ed- I at the inns of Court in England, pos- sessed of a competent fortune, young, bold and ambitious ; of an attractive person, fasci- nating manners, and commanding eloquence, he was the most accomplished gentleman of his age in Virginia. It was now less than three years since his arrival in the colony, * and his genius had already raised him to a seat in the council, and his manners had won for him an extensive popularity. Ba- con called to the command, harangued the insurgent planter?, on the horrors of Indian massacre — the imbecility of the government and all their grievances. He avowed that he accepted the command, only to serve them and the country ; for which he was ready to endure the severest trials and en- counter the most formidable dangers ; and he pledged himself never to lay down his arms until he had executed vengeance on the In- dian savages and redressed all the wrongs of his countrymen. His accents found an echo in every breast and the insurgent planters, tired with contagious enthusiasm, vowed unanimous devotion to him. Bacon, thus joined by " many gentlemen of good condi- tion," mustered in '20 days 500 men. t He now endeavored to obtain from the Govern- or a commission of General, with authority to lead out his followers, at their own ex- pense, against the Indians. He then stood so high in the council, that Sir William Berkeley found it imprudent to return a downright re- fusal, .and he concluded to temporize, llow- * " lie settled at Curie's upon James River in the midst of those people who were the greatest sufferers from the depredations of the Indians and he himself frequently felt the effects o( then inroads." — Acct. in Va. Gazette. + Ac< Km \ a. Gazette. 1675-76.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 83 ever, some of the leading men about Sir William fomented the differences between him and Bacon, having " his merits in mis- trust as a luminary that threatened to eclipse their rising glories." * The governor's an- swer was sent by some of his friends, who endeavored to persuade Bacon to disband. But lie refused. Thereupon, the governor, on the 29th of May, issued a proclamation, declaring rebels all who should fail to return t within a cer- tain time, and starting from Middle Planta- tion, (now Williamsburg,) with a party of mounted gentlemen, followed after Bacon to the falls of James river, but returned without effecting anything. During the Governor's absence, the planters of the lower country rose in open revolt and declared against the frontier forts as a useless and intolerable bur- then. The repugnance always displayed in Virginia to them, was probably heightened by a secret apprehension, lest these means of defence might be made \i^e of as the in- struments of despotism. To restore quiet the forts were dismantled ; the assembly, the Odious "Long Parliament" of Virginia, was dissolved, and writs for a new election issued. This revolt in the lower country, with which Bacon had no immediate connection, de- monstrates how widely the leaven of rebel- lion, as it was styled, pervaded the body of the people and how unfounded is the notion, that it was the result of personal pique or ambition in Bacon. Had he never set his foot on the soil of Virginia, there ran be lit- tle doubt but that a rebellion would have oc- curred at this time. There was no man in the colony with a brighter prospect before him than Paeon ; nor could he have enga- ged in the popular movement, without a sacrifice of selfish considerations, and immi- nent risk, t The movement was revolu- * Narrative of the Imlian and civil wars, p. 10. This circumstanci II to mind the condm I "I some ol the leaders in Virginia, who,: hundred years afterwards, drove Patrick Henry from the army. f According to "Narrative of the Indian and Civil Wars," p. 10. [Jacon , before the murder of his overseer, had been refu imission and had sworn passion ately that upon the next murdei he should hear of, he v\ouhl march against the Indians, "commission or no com- mission." Ami when ont ol his own family was 1 ut< In ri d, " he goi together about seventy or ninety persons, most good housekeepers, well armi d," \ <•. Burk, vol makes their number " near 000 men,"' and refers to ancient (MS ) records. t Burk, vol. :.', p. 100. tionary, — a miniature prototype of the revo- lution of 1688, in England, and of 1776, in Virginia itself. Meanwhile the men of property in Bacon's little army, fearful of a confiscation, deserted their leader and returned to their home-. But Bacon, with fifty-seven men, penetrated into the Imlian country, until his provisions were nearlj exhausted, without discovering the enemy. At length a tribe of friendly Mannakin [ndians were found entrenched within a pallisaded fort. Bacon endeavoring to procure provisions from them was refused, and one of his men being killed by a random shot, suspecting treachery, he stormed the fort, burnt it and the cabins, and with a loss of only throe of his party, put to death one hundred and fifty Indians. >: It is difficult to credit, and impossible to justify this mas- sacre. Paeon, with his company, now re- turned home and was shortly alter elec- ted one of the burgesses for the ceunty of Henrico. Brewse or Brace, his colleague and a captain of the Insurgents, was not less odious to the go'-emor. t Bacon upon his election, going down the James river, with a party of his friends, was met by an armed vessel, ordered on board of her and arrested by Major Howe, high sheriff of Jamestown, t who conveyed him to the gov- * According to " Narrative of Indian and Civil Wars," p. 11. Bacon blew up their Magazine of aims and gun- powder. See also account in Virginia Gazette. t It was afterwards charged by the King's commission- ers that the malecontents returned freemen (not being freeholders) for burgesses. Breviarie and Conclusion, 2. Burk, p. 251. The i hat re was well founded. | Beverley, I!. 1, p. 71, gives another version: " Mat- ters did not succeed there to Mr. Bacon's satisfaction, wherefore he < spn ssed hiins< If a little too rrcely. For which, being sus] led from the council, he went away again in a huff, with his sloop and followers. The over- nor filled a loi i men and pursued the i close, that colonel Bacon remon d into his I oal to make !,'. Bu! the governor had sent up by land to the ships at Sand) Point, where he was slopped and sent in." Keith, p. 15a. 1 ley. 'I he Bre- viarie and Conc.lu ion, Burk, vol. 2, p. 250, gives still a dif- ferent account: "At the i ing ol the new assembly. Bacon conies down to Jamestown in a sloop and armed men in he,- ; is shot at and fot i I to fly up the rivet ; is pursued and lal en pi isoner by < !apt. Thou Gard delivered up to the governor." T. M's account, followed in the text, seems the more probable, since he w..s a burgess present in Jamestown I ! ic m's capture. The account in the \ ir- ginia Gazette follows the Breviarie and Conclusion cording to " Narrative of Indian and Civil Wars," was captured in his own sloop lying at Jamestown. 84 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXIV. ernor at that place, by whom he was accost- ed thus : — "Mr. Bacon, you had forgot to be a gen- tleman." Bacon. "No, may it please your honour." Governor. "Then I'll take your parol," which he did and gave him his liberty. A number of his companions who had been arrested with him, were still kept in irons. On the 5th of June, 1676, the new assem- bly met in the chamber over the genei >s of the present grand assembly to in and quietnesse. And I doe hereby, upon my knees, most humbly begg of Almighty God and of his majestie's said governour, that upon this my most harty and unfeigned ac- knowledgment of my said miscarriages and unwarrantable practices, he will please to grant me his gracious pardon and indemp- nity, humbly desireing also the honourable councell of state, by whose goodnesse I am also much oblesred ami the honourable bur- court, and having chosen a speaker, the gov- ernor sent for them down and addressed them in a brief abrupt speech on the Indian disturbances, and in allusion to the chiefs who had been slain, exclaimed: " If they had killed my grandfather and my grandmother, my father and mother and all my friends, yet if they had come to treat of peace, they ought to have gone in peace." After a little inter- val, he rose again and said : " If there be joy in tin- presence of the Angels over one sin- terc< ed and mediate with his honour, to grant me such pardon. And 1 doe hereby promise, upon the word and faith of a chris- tian and of a gentleman, that upon such pardon granted me, ;;s 1 shall ever acknow- ledge so great a favour, soe 1 will alwaies bear true faith and allegiance to his most sacred majestie and demeane myself dutiful- ly, faithfully and peacably to the government and tiie laws of (his country, and am most ready audi willing to enter into bond of two ner that repenteth, there is joy now, for we thousand pounds Stirling, and for security have a penitent sinner come before us : — call thereof, bind my whole estate in Virginia to Mr. Bacon." Bacon now appearing, wa compelled upon one knee, at the bar of the untry, for my good and quiett behaviour for one whole yeare, from this date, and doe house, to confess his crimes and beg pardon | promise and obleige myself to continue my said duty and allegiance at all times after- wards. In testimony of this my We:' and harty recognition, 1 have hereunto subscribed m\ name this ninth day of June, 167(i. Natii. Bacon." of God, the king and governor, in the fol- lowing words : " : " I, Nathaniel Bacon, Jr., of Henrico coun- ty, in Virginia, doe hereby most readily, freely and most humbly acknowledge that I am, and have been guilty of diverse late un- lawfull, mutinous and rebellious practices, contrary to my duty to his most sacred ma- jestie's governour and this country, by beat* ing Lip of drums; raiseing of men in armes ; marching with them into severall parts of his most sacred majestie's polony, not only with- out order and commission, but contrary to the express orders and commands of the E ighl Hon. Sir William Berkeley, Kni., his majes- ties most worthy governor and Captain Gen*- oral of Virginia. And J do further acknow- ledge, that the said honorable governour hat h been very favorable to me, by hi.^ several re- iterated gracious offers of pardon, therebj to reclaime me from the persecution of those my unjust proceedings, (whose noble and generous mercy and clemency 1 can never sufficiently acknowledge,) and for the re- settlement of this whole country in peace * Honing, vol. 'J., pp. 543-544. »n of tl ; council was as fol- jestie's councell of i he mterci lows : '• Wee ol the Stale of Virginia, doe hereby desire ac- cording to Mr. Bacon's request, the right honourable the governor to grant the said Mr. Bacon his freedom. Dated the 9th of June, L676. Phill. Ludwell, James Bray. \\ in. Cole, Ra. Wormeley, Hen. Chicheley, Nath'l Bacon, TllOS. Beale, Tho. Ballard. Jo. Brid"er." When Bacon had made his acknowledg- ment, (lie governor exclaimed, " God forgive you, I forgive you," repeating the words thrice. Col. Cole id' the council added, '• and ali thai were with him ;" " yea," echoed the governor, " and all thai were with him," for there were then twenty persons or more in irons, who had been arrested in company on, when he was coming down the 1676.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 85 river. Sir William Berkeley now starting up I again, intending probably to raise the militia from his chair, for the third time, exclaimed, "Mr. Bacon if you will live civilly but till next Quarter court, Il'e promise to restore you againe to yo'r place there," (pointing with his hand to Mr. Bacon's seat,) he having been of the council before those troubles, although he had been only a few years in Virginia and having been deposed by the governor's proclamation. However, instead of being obliged to wait till the quarterly court, Bacon was restored to his seat in the council on that very day. Intelligence of ii was hailed with joyful acclamations by the people in Jamestown. This took place on Saturday. Bacon was also promised a com- mission to go out against the Indians, to be delivered him on the Monday following ; but being delayed or disappointed, a few days alter, (the assembly being engaged in taking measures against the Indians,) he escaped from Jamestown. He conceived the gover- nor's pretended generosity to be only a lure to keep him out of his seat in the house o, burgesses and to quiet the people of the up- per country, who were hastening down to Jamestown, to avenge all wrongs done to him <>r his friends, t There was in the council at this time one Colonel Nathaniel Bacon, a near relative of Nathaniel Bacon, Jr., who was not yet thirty \ears of age. The elder Bacon was a weal- thy politic old man, childless, and intending to make his name-sake and kinsman his heir. !t was by the pressing solicitations of this old gentleman, as was believed, that young Bacon was reluctantly prevailed upon to re- peat, at the bar of the house the recantation written by the old gentleman. And it was lie, as was supposed, who gave timely warn- ing to the young Bacon to flee for his life. Three or four days after his first arrest, many country people from the heads of the rivers, appealed in Jamestown : but finding Bacon restored to his place in the council and his companions at liberty, they relumed home satisfied. in a shorl time, however, the wa- vering, temporizing old governor seeing all quiet, issued secret warrants to sieze him * Brcviarie and Conclusion, Burk, vol. 2, p. 250. Mrs. 4 ii n Cotton's letter. Compare Chalmers' Annals, p. :>:j'3-:s. t According to Mrs. Cotton's letter, Bacon obtaini il leave of absence to visit Ins wile : "si( k as In- pn tended." But. from T. M's account am] otliets this appears to be errone- ous. and prevent a rescue. CHAPTER XXV. 1676. Bacon with an armed force enters Jamestown ; Extorts a Commission from the Governor; Proceedings of the Assembly ; Bacon marches against the Pamunkies. Berkeley summons the Gloucester militia ; Bacon coun- termarches upon the Governor; lie escapes to Acco- mac ; Bacon encamps at Middle Plantation; Calls a Convention; Oath prescribed to he taken by the inhabi- tants; Sarah Drummond ; Giles Bland seizes an armed vessel and sails for Accomac ; His capture ; Berkley re- turns and takes possession of Jamestown ; Bacon exter- minates the Indians on the frontier. Within three or four days after Bacon's hegira, news reached Jamestown, that he was thirty miles above, on the James river, at the head of four hundred men. Sir William Berkeley now summoned the York train- bands to defend Jamestown. Only one hun- dred obeyed the summons, and they arrived too late and one half of them were favorable to Bacon. Expresses almost hourly brought intelligence of his approach. In less than four days, at two o'clock, P. M., he marched into Jamestown unresisted, and drew up his force, (now numbering six hundred men.) horse and foot, in battle array on the green, in front of the State-house. In half an hour the drum heat, as was the custom, for the assembly to meet, and in less than thirty min- utes, Bacon advanced with a file of fusileers on either hand, near to the corner of the State-house, where he was met b\ the gover- nor and council. The governor baring his breast, cried out, " here ! shoot me, — fore God fair mark', shoot," frequently repeating the words. Bacon replied : " No, maj it please yo'r hono'r, we will not hurt a hair of yo'r head, nor of any other man's: we are come for a co'mission to save our lives from th' Indians, which you have so often promis- ed and now we will have it before we go." Bacon was walking to and fro between the files of his men. holding his left arm akimbo, '•with outragious postures," and gesticula- ting violently with his right. Sir William Berkeley was no less agitated. After a few moments he withdrew to his private apart- ment, at the other end of the State-house, 86 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXV. the members of the council accompanying him. Bacon followed, frequently hurrying his hand from his sword-hilt to his hat and ex- claiming, "Damn my bloud, Fie kill govern'r, councill, assembly and all, and then I'le sheath my sword in my own heart's blond !" It was understood that he had given private orders to his men, that upon the signal of his drawing his sword, they should fire. The fusileers with cocked guns pointed at a win- dow of the assembly-chamber, crowded with faces, repeated in threatening tones, " We will have it, we imll have it" — meaning the commission of General for Bacon. One of the burgesses, waiving his handkerchief, cried out: " You shall have it — you shall have it," when uncocking their guns they shouldered them and stood still, till Bacon returning, they rejoined the main body. In about an hour after, Bacon re-entered the assembly- chamber and demanded a commission, au- thorizing him to march out against the In- dians. Godwin, the Speaker, * who was a Baconian, remaining silent in the chair, a burgess named Bruce t (or Brewse,) a col- league of Bacon, alone found courage to answer, " twas not in our province or power nor of any other save the king's vice-gerent, our govern'r." Bacon nevertheless still warm- ly urged his demand, and harangued the body for near half an hour, on the Indian distur- bances; the condition of the public reven- ues ; the exhorbitant taxes, abuses and cor- ruptions of the administration, and all the grievances of their miserable country. Hav- ing concluded and finding " no other answer, be went away dissatis fied." The assembly went on to provide for the Indian war, and made Ba< on General and Commander-in-chief, which was ratified by the governor. "An act of indemnity was also passed to Bacon and his party for com- mitting this force and a high applausive let- ter was writ in favor of Bacon's designs and proceedings to the king's majesty, signed by the governor, council and assembly." t Sir William Berkeley at the same lime address- ed a letter to king Charles 11., writing, "I have above 30 years governed the most nour- ishing coui.tr} the sun ever shone over, bul ' 2. [Iening, p. & G ■\ Brewso, according to \ '• i iriarii ind Conclusion, in Burk, vol. '.'. [i. 250. 131ayton, according lo T. M. J Breviarii and Conclusion. Burk, vol. 2, p. 251. am now encompassed with rebellion like waters, in every respect like to that of Mas- sanello, except their leader." * Some of the burgesses also wrote to his majesty, setting forth the circumstances of the outbreak. The amnesty extended from the 1st of March to the 25th of June, 1676, and ex- cepted only offences against the law con- cerning the Indian trade, t The assembly, however, did not restrict itself lo measures favorable to Bacon. It adopted a middle ground between him and the governor., On the one hand, Bacon, according to the letter of the law at least, had been guilty of rebel- lion and he had so acknowledged. Yet he was not more guilty than the majority of the people of the colony, and probably not more so than a majority of the assembly itself. And the popular movement seemed justified by a necessary self-dolence and an intolera- ble accumulation of public grievances. On the other hand, Sir William Berkeley had violated a solemn engagement to grant the commission. Added to these considerations it did not escape the notice of the assembly thai the term often years, for which Sir Wil- liam Berkeley had been appointed, had ex- pired, and this circumstance, although it might not be held absolutely to terminate his authority, served at the least to attenuate its weight. The assembly pursued a line of compromise, with a view at once to vindi- cate the supremacy of law; to heal the wounded pride of the governor ; to protect the country ; to screen Bacon and his con- federates from punishment and to reform the abuses of the government. It is remarkable that the resolutions in- structing the Virginia delegates in congress to declare the colonies free and independent, were passed in June, 1776, and that the as- sembly, under Bacon's influence, met in June, 1676. t The firsl act of (he session declared war against the Indians, — ordering a levy of one thousand men and authorizing General 15a- * Massaniello, or Thomas Anello, ;i fisherman ol Na- ples, limn IG23. Exasperated by the oppressive taxes laid by Austria upon Ins countrymen, at the head ol two thous- and young an n, a icl ionai \ . f Hen., vol. 2. p. 2G3. j Is .mi;:, vol. 2, p. a 12. 1676.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 87 con to receive volunteers, and ii' their num- ber proved sufficient, to dispense with the regular force. An act was then passed for the suppressing of tumults ; the preamble reci- ting, that there had " bin many unlawful tu- mults, routs and riotts in divers parts (ii' this country," and that " certain ill-disposed and disaffected people of late gathered and may again gather themselves together by hoatc of drumme and otherwise, in a most appa- rent rebellions manner." " The act for reg- ulating of officers and offices" shows how many abuses and how much rapacity had crept into the administration. The demo- cratic spirit of this assembly displayed itself in a law, "enabling freemen to vote for bur- gesses," and another making the church ves- tries eligible by the freemen of each parish once in three years. An act for suppress- ing " ordinaries," or taverns, expresses a sense of the evils of intemperance. Col. Edward Hill and Lieutenant John Stith, of Charles City, were disabled from holding of- fice in that county, for having fomented mis- understandings between the governor and the people of Charles City and Henrico counties, and having been instrumental in levying exhorbitant taxes. In token of the excitement and suspicion then prevailing in the assembly, it was ob- served that some of the members wore dis- tinctive badges. In a few days, however, the assembly was dissolved by the Governor, who seeing how great Bacon's influence was, apprehended only further mischief from their proceed- ings. A number of the burgesses intend- ing to depart on the morrow, having met in the evening to take leave of each other, General Bacon, as he now came to be styled, entered the room with a handfull of papers and looking around, enquired, "which of these gentlemen shall I interest to write a few word.-. for me ?" All present looking aside, being unwilling to interfere, Lawrence Bacon's friend pointing to one of the company, (the author of T. M's account,!) said " that gen- tleman writes very well," and he, underta- king to excuse himself, Bacon, bowing low, said, " pray sir, do me the honor to write a * II). vol 2. pp. 352-353-356-364. f I have in vain endeavored to ascertain the name o I this person. He appears to have been a planter and a mer- chant. line for me," and he consenting, was de- tained during the whole night filling up i missions obtained (Voir, the governor and signed by him. The,-; i ommissions Bacon filled almost altogether with the nam'- of the regular militia officers of the country, the first men in the colony in fortune, rank and influence. His vigorous measures at once restored confidence to the planters and they resumed their occupations. * Bacon, at the head of one thousand men, marched against th< munkies, killing many and destroying their towns. Meanwhile, the people of Glouces ter, the most populous and loyal county, hav- ing been disarmed by Bacon, petitioned the governor for protection against the savages. Sir William Berkeley, re-animated by this cir- cumstance, ana in proclaiming Bacon a rebel and a traitor hastened to Gloucester, and summoning the train-bands of that county and Middlesex, numbering twelve hundred men, proposed to them to pursue and put down the rebel Bacon, when the whole as- semblage shouted " Bacon, Bacon, Bacon," and withdrew from the field still repeating the name of that popular leader, and leaving the aged cavalier governor and his attendants to themselves. t Francis Morryson, afterwards one of the king's commissioners, in a letter dated London, Nov. 28, 1677, to Secretary Ludwell says : "I fear when that part of the narrative comes to be read that mentions the Gloucester petitions, \ our brother may be pre- judiced; for there are two or three that will be summoned, will lay the contrivance at your brother's door and Beverley's, but more upon your brother, who they say was the drawer of it. For at the first sight all the lords judged that that was the unhappy acci- dent that made the Indian war recoil into a civil war; for the reason you alledged, that bond and oath were proffered the governor intended not against Bacon but the Indians confirmed the people, thai Bacon's commis- sion was good, it never being before disa- vowed by proclamation but by letters writ to his majesty in commendation of Bacon's actino-, copies thereof dispersed among the people." .; * Narrative of Indian and Civil Wars, p. 13. t T. M's arc, mnt. j Burk, vol. 2, p. 268. According to Narrativi ol Indian and civil wars, p. 11, the people of Gloucester refused to HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXV. From the result of this affair of the Glou- cester petitions, we may conclude, that either they contained nothing unfavorable to Bacon, or if they did, that they were gotten up by some designing leaders without the consent of the people. And it is certain that now when Bacon's violent proceedings at James- town were known, the great body of the peo- ple favored his cause and approved Ids de- signs. Meanwhile Bacon, before he reached the head of York river, hearing from Lawrence and Drummond of the Governor's movements, exclaimed, " it vexed him to the heart that while he was hunting wolves which were des- troying innocent lambs, the governor and those with him should pursue him in the rear with full cry, and that he was like corn be- tween two mill-stones which would grind him to powder if he did'nt look to it." * He marched immediately back against the gov- ernor. Sir William Berkeley finding him- self abandoned, made lii.s escape with a few friends down York river and across the Ches- apeake bay to Accomac on the Eastern shore. Before his flight, however, he again, on the 29th of July, proclaimed Bacon a rebel t Bacon upon reaching Gloucester sent out parties of horse to patrol the country and made prisoners such as were suspected of disaffection to his Indian expedition ; releas- ing on parole those who took an oath to re- turn home and remain quiet. This oath was strictin form but little regarded. About this time a spy was detected in Ba- con's camp. He pretended to lie a deserter and had repeatedly changed side:-. Being sentenced to death by a court-martial, Bacon declared, "that if any one in the army would speak a word to save him, lie should not sui- fer ;" but no one interceding he was put to death. Bacon's clemency won the admira- march against Bacon, bul pledged themselves to defend the governor against him il lie should turn against Sir William and his government, which, however, they hoped would never happen. * Mrs. Cotton's Li Iter. + A vindication of Sir William, afterwards published, says, "Nor is it to be wondered at, thai he did not imme- diately put forth proclamations to undeceive the people; because he had then no means of securing himself nor forces to have maintained such a proclamation by, bul he took the first opportunity he could of doing all this when Glouster county having been plundered by Bacon before his going out against the Indians, made an address," &c. Jiuik, vol. -J, p. 261. tion of the army, and this was the only in- stance of capital punishment under his orders, nor did he plunder any private house. Bacon having now acquired command of a province of forty-five thousand inhabitants, sate down with his army at Middle Planta- tion, (now Williamsburg.) and sent out an invitation, signed by himself and four of the council, to al! the principal gentlemen of the country, to meet him in a convention, at his head-quarters, to consult how the Indians were to be proceeded against and himself and the army protected against the designs of Sir William Berkeley. * Bacon also put forth a reply to the governor's proclamations. He demands whether those who are entirely de- voted to the king and country, can deserve the name of rebels and traitors? In vindica- tion of their loyalty, he points to the peace- able conduct of his soldiers and calls upon the whole country to witness against him, if they can. He reproaches some of the men in power with the meanness of their capaci- ty ; others with their ill-gotten wealth. He enquires what arts, sciences, schools of learn- ing or manufactures they had promoted ? he justifies his warring against the Indians and inveighs against Sir William Berkeley for si- ding with them; insisting that the governor had no right to interfere with the fur-trade, since it was a monopoly of the crown and asserting that the governor's factors, on the frontier, trafficked in the blood of their coun- trymen, by supplying the savages with anus and ammunition contrary to law. He con- cludes by appealing to the king and parlia- ment. In compliance with Bacon's invitation, a numerous convention, including many of the principal men of the colony, assembled it: August, 1676. In preparing an oath t<> be administered to the people, the three articles proposed were read by James Minge, clerk of the house of burgesses. 1st, that they should aid General Bacon in the Indian war. 2nd, that they would oppose Sir William Berkeley's endeavors to hinder the same. 3rd, that they would oppose any power sen' (tut from England, till terms were agreed to, granting that the country's complaint should Beverley, B. 1, pp. 74-76. Chalmers' Annals, p. 333, Burk, vol. 2, p. 172. Bacon's Proceedings, p. 15, in 1st. Force. T. M. says, " Bacoji calls a convention al Middle Plantation, 15 miles from Jamestown." 1676.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. NO be heard against Sir William before the king and parliament. A " bloody debate" ensued, especially on this last article, — lasting from noon (ill midnight. Bacon and some of the principal men supported it, and he protest- ed that without it he should surrender his commission to the assembly.* In this con- juncture w lien the scales of sejj^fcncc and loyaltj seemed in equip- he gunner nt York fort" brought sudden i^'.vs of fresh murders perpetrated by the Indians in Glou- cester county, near Carter's creel';. Bacon demanded, : ' how it could be possible that the chief fort in Virginia should be threaten- ed by the Indians?" The gunner replied, • i that the governor, on the day before, had conveyed all arms and ammunition out of the fori into his own vessel." This disclosure produced a deep sensation in the convention, and the people now became reconciled to the oath. Among the subscribers on this occasion, were Colonel Ballard, Colonel Beale, Colonel Swan and Squire Bray, all of the council, Colonels Jordan, Smith of Pur- ton, Scarborough, t Miller, Lawrence, and William Drummond. J Writs were iss'ued in his majesty's name for an assembly to meet on the 4th of September. They were signed by the four members of the council. The oath vvai administered to the people of every rank, except servants. It was as follows: " Whereas, the country hath raised i my against our common enemy, the Indians, and the same under the command of gene- ral Bacon, being upon the point to march forth against the said common enemy, hath been diverted arid necessitated to move to the suppressing of forces by evil disposed persons, raised againsl the said general Ba- con, pur] to foment and stir up war among us to the ruin of this his majes- ty's country. And whereas, it is notoriously manifest thai Sir William Berkley, knight, governor of the country, assisted, counselled and abetted by those evil disposed persons aforesaid, hath not only commanded, fomen- * According to "Narrative of Indian and Civil Wars," p. 18, Bacon eonti rid ate man) counted the w isest in I ■ VI iih w h il interesl would vw ii ad ii report ol his speech ' Bui Bai oil's - lo quence, like lime, 's, lives on!} in i radii ion. t This name is spHl Scarsbrook in the " Narrative ol Indian and Civil War.->,"S< vas prouahly the name he >ent from the .-aid Xalhaui intended. He had i i govei n >r of South Carolina Bancroft sii| vas a Presbyterian. ted and stirred up the people to the said civil war, but failing therein hath withdrawn him- self to the greal astonishment of the people and the unsetllement of the country. And whereas, the said army raised by the country for the causes aforesaid, remain full of dis- satisfaction in the middle of the country, ex- pectino- attempts from the said governor and ih ! evil counsellors aforesaid- And since no proper means have been found out for the settlement of the distractions and preventing the horrid outrages and murders daily com- mitted in many places of the country by the barbarous enemy: it bath been thought fit by the said general, to call unto him all such sober and discreel gentlemen as the present circumstances of the country will admit, to the Middle Plantation, to consult and advise of re-establishing the peace of the country. So we, the said gentlemen, being this 3rd of August 1676 accordingly met, do advise, resolve, declare and conclude and for our- - ; 3«do swear in manner following: " First. That we will at all times join with the said general Bacon and his army against" the common enemy in all points whatsoever. Secondly : That whereas certain persons have lately contrived and designed the rais- ing forces against the said general and the army under his command, thereby to beget a civil war, we will endeavor the discovery and apprehending all and every of those evil-disposed persons and them secure untill further order from the general. Thirdly: And whereas it, is credibly reported, that the governor hath informed the king's majesty, that the said general and the people of the country in arms under his command, their aiders and abetters are rebellious and remo- ved from their allegiance, and that upon such [ike information, he the said governor, hath advised and petitioned the king to send forces to reduce them — we do further declare and believe in our consciences that it consists with the welfare of this country and with our allegiance to his mosl .-acred majesty, that we, the inhabitants of Virginia, to the utmost of our power do oppose and suppress all for- ces whatsoever of that nature, until such time as the king be fully informed of the state oi the case, by such person or persons as shall Bacon, in the behalf of the people and the determina- tion thereof be remitted hither. And we do U 90 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXV. swear that we will him the said general and the army under his command aid and assist accordingly." * Drummond advised that Sir William Berke- ley should be deposed and Sir Henry Chich- ely substituted in his place. His counsel not being approved, " do not make so strange of it," said Drummond, "fori can show from ancient records that such things have been done in Virginia." But it was agreed that the governor's retreat should be taken for an abdication. Sarah Drummond was not less enthusiastic in Bacon's favor, than her hus- band. She exclaimed, "The child that is unborn shall have cause to rejoice for the good that will come by the rising of the coun- try." " Should we overcome the governor," said Ralph Weldinge, "we must expect a greater power from England that would cer- tainly be our ruin." Sarah Drummond re- membered that England was divided into hostile faction.', between the duke of York and the duke of Monmouth. Taking fn m the ground a small stick and breaking it, she added, "I fear the power of England no more than a broken straw." Looking for relief from the odious navigation act, she declared, " now we can build ships and like New Eng- land trade to any part of the world." Bacon also issued proclamations, com- manding all men in the land, upon pain of death, to join his standard and upon the ar- rival of the troops expected from England, to retire into the wilderness and resist the troops expected from England until they should agree to treat of an accommodation of the dispute. There was a gentleman in Virginia, Giles Bland, only son of John Bland, an eminent London merchant, who was personally known to the king and had a considerable interest at court. As he was sending his son out to Virginia to take possession of the estate of his uncle, Theodorick Bland, t late of the * Bev< rli v. B 1, p. 71. f This Theodorick Bland whs sometime a merchant al Luars, in Spain, and came over to Virginia in 1654, where, sealing al. VVestover, upon James river, in Charles Cit) county, he died 23rd April, 1671, aged 41 years, and was buried in the chancel of ihe church which he built and gave, together with ten acres of land, a court-house a ad prison, for the county and parish. He lies buried in the Westovi i ehurch-yard between two of his friends, the church having lung since fallen down. J !e was "I the king's council and speaker of the house of burgesses, and was iii fortune and understanding inferior to no man of ins time in the coun- councilj lie got him appointed collector-gen- eral of the customs. In this capacity he had a right to board any vessel whenever he thought proper. He was a man of talent, courage and a haughty bearing, and having quarrelled with the governor now sided warm- ly with Bacon. There chanced to be lying in York river a vessel of sixteen guns, com- manded by "a Captain Laramore. Bland went on board of her with a party of armed men, under pretence of searching for contraband goods and seizing the captain confined him in the cabin. Laramore discovering Bland's designs, resolved to deceive him in his turn and entered into his measures with such ap- parent sincerity, that he was restored to the command of his vessel. With her, another vessel of four guns under Captain Carver, and a sloop, Bland now appointed Bacon's Lieutenant General, sailed with two hundred and fifty men for Accomac. On his passage he captured another vessel ; so that he ap- peared off Accomac with four sail. The governor having not a single vessel to defend himself, was overwhelmed with despair. At this juncture he received a note from Lara- more, offering if he would send him some assistance, to deliver Bland with al! his men prisoners into his hands. The governor sus- picious of Laramore, thought the note only a bait to entrap him ; but upon advising with his friend, Colonel Philip Ludwell, he coun- selled him to accept Laramore's oiler, as the best alternative now left him, and gallantly undertook to engage in the enterprise at the hazard of his life. Sir William Berkeley con- senting, Ludwell with twenty-six men well- armed, appeared at the appointed time along- side of Laramore's vessel. He was prepared to receive them, and Ludwell boarded her without the loss of a man, and m after took the other vessels. Bland, Carver and I he other chiefs were sent to the governor, and the common men secured on board of the vessels. When Laramore waited on the governor, he clasped him in his anus, called him his deliverer and gave him a large share of his favor. In a. few days the brave Carver was liangi d on the Accomac Shore. Cap- tain Gardner sailing from James river, now came to the governor's rebel', with his own vessel, the Adam and Eve, and ten or twelve try. lie married Ann, daughter of Richard Bennct, some- time governor of the colony. Bland Papers, vol. 1, p. 148. 1676-77. HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 91 sloops, which he had collected upon hearing of Bland's expedition. Sir William Berkeley, by this unexp tarn of affairs, suddenly raised from the of despair to the pinnacle of hope, resolved to push his success still further. With Lara- more's vessel and Gardner's, together with sixteen or seventeen sloops and a n band of about six hundred meii in arms, - the governor returned in triumph to James- town, where tailing on his knees, he returned thanks to God, and again proclaimed Bacon and his men rebels and traitors. There ivere now in Jamestown nine hundred Baconians, as they came to be styled, under command of Colonel Hansford, commissioned by B Berkeley sent in a summons for surrender of the town, with offer of pardon to all except Drummond and Lawrence. Upon this all of them retired to their homes, except Hans- ford, Lawrence, Drummond and a few other--, who made for the head of York river, in quest of Bacon, who had returned to that quarter. During these events, Bacon was executing his designs against the Indians. As soon as he had despatched Bland to Accomac, he crossed the James river at his own house, at Curie's, and surprising the Appomattox In- dians, who lived on both sides of the river of that name, a little below the falls, (now Pe- tersburg,) he burnt their town, killed a large number of the tribe and dispersed the rest, f Thence he traversed the country to the 1 South- ward, destroying many towns on the banks of the Nottoway, the Meherrin and the Roan- oke. His name had become so formidable, that the Indians lied everywhere before him, and having nothing to subsist upon, save the spontaneous productions of the country, sev- eral tribes perished, and they who survived were so reduced as to be never afterwards able to make anj firm stand against the whites and gradually became tributary to them. ■ Acco ling to Mrs Cotton's Lettpr, one thousand men. t Hisrorj ol Bacon's rebel! in Virginia Gazette, f'oi 1769, Burk, vol. 2, p. 176, places this hattle or massacre on Bloody Run, near where Richmond now sin. .Is. Bui he refers i • no authority and I think had none better than a loose tradition. The Appomattox Indians occupied both : vci in question. Now n is all ■ bable, that Indians still inhabited the North Bank of the James, near Curie's. Besides, if they had, it was unm - cessary to cross the James before i Curie's was a proper point for crossing with a view of sur- prising the Indians on the Appomattox. CHAPTER XXVI. 1676—1877. Bacon marches buck upon Jamestown; Berkley's flight ; Jamestowai burnt : Bacon dies ; Hansford and others ex- ecuted ; Closeof the rebellion ; Proceedings of ihi Court Martial; Arrival of an English regiment: The Royal Commissioners; Punishments of the rebels; Berkley lecalled ; Scccei d< -I l'\ Jeffn ys; Berkley's death ; The Qu :en of i'.imimkr;, ; Failure of the New Gharter. Bacon having exhausted his provisions had dismissed the greater part of his forces be- fore Lawrence, Drummond, Hansford and the other fugitives from Jamestown joined him. Upon learning the governor's return, Bacon with a force variously estimated at one hundred and fifty, three hundred and eight hundred, * marched back upon Jamestown, leading his Indian captives in triumph before him. He found the town defended by a pali- sade, running across the neck of the penin- sula. Riding along this work, he reconnoi- tred tile governor's position. Then dis- mounting from his horse, he animated his fatigued men to advance at once, and lead- ing them close to the palisade, sounded a defiance with the trumpet ami tired upon the loyalist garrison. The governor remained quiet, hoping that want of provisions would force Bacon to retire: but he supplied his troop from Sir William's seat at Greenspring, i hie- miles distant. lie afterwards com- plained that "his dwelling-house, ;.; Green- spring, was almost ruined; his household and others of great value totally plun- dered, that he had not a bed to lye on : two great beasts, three hundred sheep, seventy and mares, all hi- corn and provisions taken away." t Bacon now adopted a sin- gular m nd one ha.'diy compatible I H tcipli - of chivalry. Sending out small parties of horse, he captured the wives of all the principal loyalists then with the ffovernor and among them the lady ol Col. B tcon, Sr., ma lam Braj , madam Page and madam Ballard. One of them was sent in- to Jamestown to communicate news ol * Mis \.;n i '. tton s.i\ s [50, the account in tl the km i's cominissioni rs 300 the last pro- bably neareal the number. i " Answer to the objections against Sir William Berkeley," Curk, vol. 2, p. 263. 92 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXVI. capture. * Bacon raised by moonlight a cir- cumvallation of trees, earth and brush-wood around the governor's outworks. At day- break next morning the governor's troops being fired upon, made a sortie ; but they were driven back, leaving their drum and then- dead behind him. Upon the top of the work which he had thrown up and where alone a sally could be made, Bacon exhibited the captive ladies to the view of their husbands and friends in the town and kept them there until he completed his works. He now mounted a small battery of cannon com- manding the shipping but not the town. At this conjuncture, such was the cowardice of Sir William's motley crowd of followers, solely intent upon plunder, promised them by " his honour," that although superior in time, place and numbers, to Bacon's force, — yet out of six hundred of them, only twenty gentlemen were found willing to stand by him. And so great was their fear of discov- ery, that in two or three days after the sortie, they embarked in the night, secretly weigh- ing anchor and dropping silently down the river; — thus retreating before an enemy that for a week had been exposed to far more hardships and privations than themselves. For in this very service it was believed Bacon contracted the disease which carried him oil', by lying during a rainy season in the trenches before the town. Sir William carried off with him all the inhabitants of the town and their goods. At dawn of the next day Ba- con entered Jamestown without opposition. It being determined that if should be burnt, Lawrence and Drummond, who owned two of the best houses there, set fire to them in the evening with their own hands, and the soldiers following the example, laid in ashes Jamestown with the church and state-house, saying " the rogues shall harbour no more here." Sir William Berkeley and his peo- ple beheld the flames from the vessels riding below, t Bacon now marched to York river, which * Mis. Con, ,n's Letter. Sec also Col. Lmlwell's I, din- in Chalmers' Annals, pp. 319-350. " Ravishing of women from their I les ami hurrying them about the country in their rude camps, often threaten in;; them with death." Ac- c lingto "Narrative of Indian and Civil Wars," Baron made use ol the ladies ordy to complete Ins battery and removed iliein out of harm's way at the tin I the sortie. It is impossible to reconcile the conflict ing statements. t T. M's account and Li re via i le and Conclusion. Burlt, vol. 2, p. 190. he crossed at Tindall's, (now Gloucester) Point, in order to encounter Col. Brent, who was marching against him from the Potomac with twelve hundred men. But the greater part of his men hearing of Bacon's success, joined his standard, " resolving with the Per- sians to go and worship the rising sun." ' Bacon now called a convention in Glouces- ter, and administered the oath to the people of that county and began to plan another ex- pedition against the Indians, or, as some re- port, against Accomac, when he fell sick of a dysentery,! brought on by exposure, and retired to the house of a Mr. Pate, in Glou- cester, and lingering some weeks, died. \ The place of his interment has never been discovered. It was concealed by his friends lest his remains should be insulted by the vindictive Berkeley, in whom old age seems not to have mitigated the fury of the pas- sions. According to one tradition, Bacon's hones were screened from insult by stones being laid on his coffin, by his friend Law- rence, § as was supposed. According to others, it was conjectured that his body had been buried in the bosom of the majestic York. || Upon Bacon's death he was succeeded by his Lieutenant General Ingram, (whose real ivas Johnson,) who had lately arrived in Virginia. Ingram was supported by Wake- let, Langston, and Lawrence and their ad- herents. They took possession of West Point, at the head of York river, fortified it and made il their place of arms. If There is still extant there a ruinous stone-house, which perhaps was occupied by Ingram and his as- sociates. As soon as Berkeley heard of Ba- con's death, he sent over Robert Beverley, with a party in a sloop, to York river, where they captured Col. Hansford and some others, * Mrs. < lotion's Letti r. [ The loyal i si ; ,. ;ninst whose calumny the grave afforded no shelter, alleged thai liacon died ol a loathsome diseasi by a visitation of Cod. Tins falsehood is disprove/! bj T. j 1\1., the history in the Virginia Gazette and by the King's commissioners. \ Breviarie and Conclusion, and Beverley, I!. 1 , p. "7, ! say that lie died at the house of a Dr. Green. Burk, vol, }, u 19 !, says "at the house of a Doctor Pate." . r M's account. ml ol B icon's Rebellion in V... Gazette, 1769. Point, originally West's Point, so called by tra- dition from an early settler of thai name, ol the family ol Lord Delaware, in reference to whom the place was at i one nine loiiiul "the city of Delaware," 1676-77.1 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 93 at the house of a Col. Reade, where York- t.pwn now is. Hansford was taken to Acco- mac, tried and condemned to be hanged. He requested " to be shot like a .soldier and not hanged like a dog," but was told, "you die as a rebel and not as a soldier." He was "young, nay and gallant, nursed among the forests of the old Dominion; fond of amusement, not indifferent to pleasure ; im- patient of restraint, keenly sensitive to honor; fearless of death and passionately fond of the land that gave him birth." * During the short respite allowed him, his soul was serene ; he professed penitence for all the sins of his life : hut refused to admit what was charged on him as rebellion to be one of them. His last words were, " take notice, I die a loyal subject and a lover of my country." He was the fust native of Virginia that perished in this ignominious form, and in America the first martyr to the rights of the people. His execution took place on the 13th of Novem- ber, 1676. Captain Wilford, Captain Farloc, with five or six others of less note, suffered in like manner with Hansford. Major Cheesman died in prison, probably from ill usage. The same fate befell several others. Sir William Berkeley now repaired to York river t and proclaimed a general pardon, ex- cepting certain persons named, especially Lawrence and Drummond. A party of one hundred and twenty despatched by Bet to surprise a guard of about thirty men and boys, under Major Whaley, at the house of Col. Bacon, on Queen's creek, were defeated, with the loss of their commander. Major Lawrence Smith, with six hundred men, was likewise defeated by Ingram, at Col. Pate's house. Smith saved himself b} flight; his men were all made prisoners. Captain Cou- set, with a. party, was sent against Raines, who headed the insurgents on the South side of .lames river. Raines was killed and his men captured. Meanu hile [ngram, Wakeh I ami their con- federates from West Point, foraged on t!i estates of the loyalists with impunity and bade defiance to the governor. They defen- ded themselves against the assaults of Lud- well and others, with such resolution and gal- lantry, that Berkeley, fatigued and exhausted, at length sent by Captain Grantham, a com- plaisant letter to Wakelet, or as some say to Ingram, offering an amnesty, on condition of surrender. This was agreed to and in reward for his submission, Berkeley present- ed to Wakelet all the Indian plunder at West Point. A court-martial was held on board of a vessel in York river, January 11th, 1676-7, consisting (if the Right Honorable Sir Wil- liam Berkeley, Knt., Governor and Captain General of Virginia. Col. Nathaniel Bacon. Col. William Claiborne. Col. Thomas Bal- lard. Col. Southy Littleton. Col. Philip Ludwell. Lieut. Col. John West. Colonel Augustine Warner. Major Lawrence Smith. Major Robert Beverley. Capt. Anthony Arm- istead. Col. Matthew Kemp. Capt. Dan- iel Jenifer. Four of the insurgents were con- demned by this court. On the 19th of Jan- uary, Drummond was taken in the Chicka- hominy swamp, half famished. On the 20th he was brought in a prisoner to Sir William Berkeley, then on board of a vessel at Col. Bacon's, on Queen's creek. The governor upon hearing of Drummond's arrival, imme- diately went, on shore and saluted him with a courtly bow, saying, (( Mr. Drummond von are ver-y unwelcome ; I am more glad to see you than any man in Virginia. Mr. Drum- mond you shall be hanged in half an hour." Drummond replied, " What your honor plea- ses." A court-martial was immediately held at the house of .lames Bray, Es. n instructed to offer a reward of £300 to any one who would seize Bacon, and pardon to all others who would lake the oath of obe- dience and give security for theii havior. Freedom was offered to servants and slaves who would aid in suppressing the revolt, i The general court and the a bly having now met, several more of Bacon's adherents were' convicted by a civil tribunal rrysi n's !.. Iter, Bnrk vol.2, p.SGS. Mrs. Afra Bi hn iicd this rebellion in a tragi-eomedy entitled, "the Widow Ranter, or the history of Bacon in Virginia." Dry- den honored it with a prologue. The plaj faih ! on the •i.i :i ..i I ■ : li ihed in 1 000. T! ic i- .1 copy of 11 in the British Museum, li sets historical truth at defiance and is replete with coarse humor and indelicate wit." Grahame's Hist. LF. S. vol. I, p. 121 in note, li is possible that Sarah I >i mnmond ma; en intended bj the " Wi low li. inter." f Chalmers' Annuls, p. 336. The same measure had bei ii !i. : mthorized by the Long Parliament and was resorted to a century afterwards by the Earl of Dunmore. and put to death ; — a large part of them were men of competent fortune and fair character. Among these was Giles Bland, whose friends in England, it was reported, had procured his pardon, to be sent over with the fleet. But it availed him nothing. It was whisper- ed that he was executed under private orders sent out from England ; the duke of York having sworn, " by (rod, Bacon and Bland shall die." Bland and Crewes were execu- ted at "Bacon's Trench," near Jamestown ; four others at Colonel Reade's, (Yorktown,) Anthony Arnold in chains at West Point. These executions too!-; place in March, 1677. The commissioners, who assisted in the trials of the prisoners, now proceeded to en- quire into the causes of the late distractions.* The insurgents had found powerful friends among the people of England and in parlia- ment. The commissioners discountenanced the excesses of Sir William Berkeley and the loyalists, and invited the planters in every quarter to bring in their grievances without fear, t In their zeal for enquiry they forcibly seized the journals of the assembly. The burgesses, in October, 1677, demanded satis- faction for this indignity in language stigma- tized by Charles II. as seditious. $ The num- ber of persons executed was twenty-two, § of whom twelve were condemned by Court- Martial. Punishment was carried far beyond the demands even of political necessity. During eight months Virginia had suffered the evils of civil war, devastation, lire, execu- tions, and the loss of one hundred thousand pounds. || So violent was the effort of na- ture to throw-' off the malady of despotism and misrule, tn October, Charles [I. issued two proclamations, authorizing Berkeley to pardon all except Nathaniel Bacon Jr., and afterwards another proclamation declaring Sir William's of 10th February 1676, not conformable to his instructions, in excepting others from pardon besides Bacon — and abro- gating ii. Yet the king's commissioners as- sisted in the condemnation of several of the ■' The commissioners satp it Swan's Point. i See Account in Virginia Gazette. Phe sympathy of Jeffrey's with the rebellious Virginians was nol entirely disinterested, for he was ah ml to succeed Berkeley m his ; i i ■ ■• . ; . I diners' Introduction, vol. 1., p. ]C3. Chalmers' An- nals. 33" . 217. ! Ch ilme i s' A nnal -, i ol. .' pji journal, without the permission of the house/ Although Beverley had rendered important services in suppressing Bacon's rebellion and had won the favor of Sir William Berke- ley, yet now by his steady adherence to his duty, he drew down upon his head unrelent- ing persecution. [May, 1682.] he was com- mitted a prisoner on board the ship Duke of York lying in the Rappahannock, t Ralph Wormley, Matthew Kemp and Christopher Wormley were directed to seize the records in Beverley's possession and to break open doors if necessary. Beverley was transfer- red from the Duke of York to the Concord and a guard set over him. Escaping from the custody of the Sheriff at York, the prisoner was retaken at his house in Middlesex and transported to Northampton on the Eastern Shore. Some months after, he applied for a writ of habeas corpus, which was refused. In a short time, being found at large, he was remanded to Northampton. [1683.] New charges were brought against him : 1st, that he had broken open letters addressed to the Secretary's oihee : 2nd, that he had made up the journal and inserted his majesty's let- ter therein notwithstanding it had been first presented at the time of the prorogation : 3rd that in 1682 he had refused to deliver copies of the journal to the Governor and council, saving, " he might not do it without leave of his masters." Culpepper after staying about a year in \ ir- ginia returned to England, leaving his kins- man, Secretary Spencer, President; but. thus again (putting the colony in violation ol his orders, he was arrested immediately on his ar- rival. Having received presents from the as- sembly contrary to his instructions, a jury ol Middlesex found that he had forfeited his com- mission. And his example having shown, that he who acts under independent authori- ty, will seldom obey even reasonable com- mands, no more governors were appointed for life. I Lord Culpepper having it in view to pur- « Burk, vol. 2, i> 'Jin. t lien., vol. 3, \>. ..If ti seq. timers' Annals, p. 345 and Introdue., m>I 1. | 105 Bi rerley B. vol. 1, p. 89 gives a different account. " The in xl yeai being 1684 upon the Lord Culpepper refusing to i. tnrn, Francis Lord Howard ol Effingham was sent over Governor." 13 98 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXVII. chase the propriety of the Northern Neck lying between the Rappahannock and the Potomac, — to further his design, had fo- mented a dispute between the house of bur- gesses and the council. The quarrel run- ning high, his lordship procured from the king instructions to abolish appeals frqm the general court to the assembly and transfer them to the crown. Culpepper, however, being a man of a strong judgment made some salutary amendments in the laws. Du- ring his time instead of garrisons, rangers were employed in guarding the frontier. He was succeeded by Francis Lord How- ard of Effingham. His appointment was the last act of Charles II. in relation to the colony. Effingham was appointed [Au- gust, 1683,] commissioned [September 28th,] and arriving in Virginia entered upon the duties of his office [April 15th, 1684.] On the following day the assembly met. It passed acts to prevent plant cutting and to preserve the peace; to supply the inhabi- tants with arms and ammunition ; to re- peal the act for encouragement of domestic manufactures ; to provide for the better de- fence ofthe colony; laying for the first time an impost on liquors imported from other Eng- lish plantations exempting, however, such as were imported by Virginians for their own use and in their own vessels. The Bur- gesses, in behalf of the inhabitants of the Northern Neck, prayed the governor to se- cure them by patent in their titles to their lands which had been invaded by Culpep- per's charter. The governor answered that lie was expecting a favorable decision on the matter from the king. [May, 1684.] Robert Beverley was found guilty of high misdemeanors, but judgment being respi- ted and the prisoner asking pardon on his bended knees, was released upon giv- ing security for his good behavior. The abjeel terms in which he now sued for par- don form a singular contrast to the constan- cy of his former resistance, and if is curious to find the loyal Beverley, the strenuous par- tisan of Berkeley, now the victim of the tyranny which he had formerly defended. Owing to the incursions of the five na- tions upon the frontiers of Virginia, it was deemed expedient to treat with them through the Governor of New York. For this pur- pose the Govprnor of Virginia, leaving the administration in the hands of Col. Bacon, of the council, and accompanied by two other councillors, repaired to Albany [July, 1684.] There he met Gov. Dongan, of New York, the agent of Massachusetts, the mag- isl rates of Albany and the chiefs of the war- like Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagoes and Cayugas. The tomahawk was buried, the chain of friendship brightened and the tree of peace planted. * Culpepper not long after he was displaced, purchased the proprietary title to the North- ern Neck, which in the 22nd year of Charles II. had been granted to Henry Earl of St. Albans, John Lord Berkeley, Sir William Morton, and John Trethwav. It was as- signed to Culpepper in the fourth year of James II. with many privileges, on account of the loyal services of that family, of which the only daughter and heiress married Lord Fairfax, who thus .succeeded to that exten- sive domain. From a statistical account of Virginia as reported by Culpepper to the committee of the colonies, [December, 1681,] it appears that there were at that time forty-one Bur- gesses, being two from each of twenty coun- ties and one from Jamestown. The coloni- al revenue consisted, 1st, of Parish levies, " commonly managed by sly cheating fel- lows that combine to cheat the public." Second : Public levies raised by act of as- sembly. Both levies were derived from titha- bles or working hands, of which there were about 14,000. The cost of collecting this part of the revenue was estimated at not less than 20 per centum. Third: Two shillings per hogshead on tobacco exported, which, together with some tonage duties, amounted £3000 a year. The county courts held three sessions in the year, an appeal lying to the governor and council, and from them in ac- tions of £300 sterling value, to his majesty; in cause- of less consequence to the assem- bly. The ecclesiastical affairs of the colony were subject to the control of the governor who granted probates of wills and had the right of presentation to all livings, the ordi- nary value of which was ,L'60 per annum, but then, owing to the poverty of the country and the low price of tobacco, not worth hall' that sum. The number of livings was seventy- * Burk, vol.2, p. 282. Bancroft, yol. 2, p 255. 1677-1700.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 99 six. Lord Culpepper adds : — " and the par- ishes, paying the ministers themselves, have used to claim the right of presentation, (or rather of not paying,) whether the governor will or not, which must not be allowed, and vet must be managed with great caution." There was no fort in Virginia defensible against an European enemy, nor any secu- rity for ships against a superior sea-force. There were, perhaps, 15,000 * fighting men in the country. " In relation to our neigh- bors : (says his lordship,) Carolina, I mean the North part of it,) always was and is the sink of America, the refuge of our renaga- does and till in better order dangerous to us. Maryland is now in a ferment and not only troubled with our disease poverty, but in a great danger of falling in pieces." The col- ony of Virginia wa^ at peace with the In- dians, but long experience had taught in re- gard to that treacherous race, that when there was the least suspicion then was there the greatest danger. " But the most ruinous evil that afflicted the colony was the extreme low price of the sole commodity, tobacco. "For the market is overstocked and every crop overstocks it more. Our thriving is our un- doing, and our buying of blacks hath ex- tremely contributed thereto by making more tobacco."! The succession of James II. to the throne was proclaimed in the Ancient Do- minion " with extraordinary joy." The en- thusiasm of loyalty was, however, soon low- ered, for the first parliament of the new reign laid an impost on tobacco. The planters sup- plicated James in abject terms to suspend the duty imposed on their sole staple. The king refused to comply. Nevertheless, on the recep- tion of the news of the defeat of the Duke of Monmouth, the Virginians sent a congratu- latory address to the king. A number of the prisoners taken with Monmouth and who had escaped the cruelty of Jeffreys were senl to Virginia. James instructed Effingham on this occasion in the following letter, t " James R. Right trusty and well-beloved we greet * The number of tithables being only 1 1,000, his , must have overrated the number of fighting n. The actual number of half-armed train-bands in 16 I v 8,569 Chalmers' Annals, 357. Mb. 355-57. I Chalmers' A.nna! - you well. As it has pleased Cod to de- liver into our hands such of our rebellious subjects as have taken up arms against us, for which traiterous practices some of them have suffered death, according to law, so we have been graciously pleased to extend our mercy to many others by ordering their transportation to several parts of our domin- ions in America where they are to be kept as servants to the inhabitants of the same ; And to the end their punishment may in some measure answer their crimes, we do think tit hereby to signify our pleasure unto you our Governor and council of Virginia that you take all necessary care that Mich con- victed persons as wen. 1 guilty of the late re- bellion that shall arrive within that our Col- ony whose names arc hereunto annexed be kept there and continue to serve their mas- ters for the space often years at least. And that they be not permitted in any manner to redeem themselves by money or otherwise until that term be fully expired. And for the better effecting hereof you are to frame and propose a bill to the assembly of that our Colony with such provisions and clauses as shall be requisite for this purpose, to which you our Governor are to give your assent and to transmit the same unto us for our royal confirmation. Wherein expecting a ready compliance, we bid you heartily farewell, (riven at our court at Whitehall the 4th of October 1685 in the first year of our reign. Sunderland." Virginia however made no law conform- able to the requisitions of James. The assembly met again [1st of October, 1635,] and warmly resisting the negative power claimed by the governor, was prorogued. It met again [6th of November.] Robert Bev- erley was again clerk. Strong resolutions complaining of the tyranny of the governor were passed. He negatived them, and shortly alter appearing suddenly in the House, pro- ro rued it ao-ain to the 20th of October, 1686. James II., strongly resenting these demo- cratical proceedings of the Virginia assem- bly, ordered their dissolution, and that Robert ' : : iverley should be disfranchised and prose- cuted ' and directed that, in future the ap- * rlening, vol. 3, pp. 10 II. Francis Page was accord- ingly appointed rink by the governoi | Vpril 3l . I I ■ | - i llso Hi ■ " I . 100 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXVII. pointment of the clerk of the house of bur- gesses should be made by the governor. Several persons were punished about this time for seditious and treasonable conduct. [12th of May, 1687,] the assembly was dissol- ved. In the Spring of 1687, Robert Beverley died the victim of tyranny and martyr of con- stitutional liberty. Long a distinguished loy- alist, he lived to become still more distin- guished as a patriot. It is thus that in human inconsistency extremes meet. The English merchants engaged in the tobacco-trade, in August 1687 complained to the committee of the colonies of the mis- chiefs consequent upon the exportation of tobacco in bulk. The committee advised the assembly of Virginia to prohibit this practice. The assembly refused compliance, but the regulation was subsequently established by parliament. During this year a meditated in- surrection of the blacks was discovered in the Northern Neck, just in time to prevent its ex- plosion. [November 10th, 1687,] A message had been received from the governor of New York, communicating the king's instructions to him, to build forts for the defence of that colony, and the king's desire that Virginia should contribute to that object, as being for the common defence of the colonies. This project of James II., it was suspected, ori- ginated in his own proprietary interest in New York. The Virginians replied that the Indians might invade Virginia without pass- ing within a hundred miles of those forts, and -the contribution was refused. James II. was now incorrigibly bent upon introducing absolute despotism and popery into England. In Virginia the council dis- played an abject servility. Upon the dis- solution of the assembly, Virginia was agita- ted with apprehension and alarm. Rumors were circulated of terrible plots, now of th ■ papists, then of the Indians. The county of Stafford was inflamed by the bold harangues of John Waugh, a preacher of the established church. Three councillors were despatched to allay the commotions. Part of Rappa- hannock county was in arms. Col. John Scarborough of the Eastern Shore was pros- ecuted, for saying to the governor, thai "his majesty, king James, would wear out the church of England ; for thai when lucre were any vacant offices, he supplied them with men of a different persuasion." Scar- borough however was discharged by the coun- cil. Others were prosecuted and imprisoned and James Collins put in irons for treasona- ble words against the king. Effingham no less avaricious and unscru- pulous than his predecessor Culpepper, by his extortions, usurpations and tyranny arous- ed a general spirit of disgust and indigna- tion. He prorogued and dissolved the as- sembly ; he erected a new court of chance- ry, making himself a petty Lord Chancellor; he multiplied fees and stooped to share them with the clerks, and silenced the victims of his extortions by arbitrary imprisonment. At length the complaints of Virginia hat- ing reached England, Effingham embarked, [1688,] for that country, and the assembly despatched Col. Ludwell to lay their grievan- ces before the government. Before they reached the mother country however, the Revolution had taken place and James II. had ceased to reign. * James II. closed a short and inglorious reign by abdicating the crown. William and Mary had been several months seated on the throne before they were proclaimed in Vir- ginia. The delay was owing to re-iterated pledges of fealty made by the council to James and from an apprehension that he might be restored to the kingdom. At length in compliance with repeated commands of the privy council, William III. and Mary were proclaimed Lord and Lady of Virginia, [April, 1689.] This glorious event dispelled the clouds of discontent and inspired the people of the colony with sincere joy. For about seventy years Virginia had been sub- ject to the house of Stuart and there was lit- tle in the retrospect to awaken regret at their downfall. They had cramped trade by mo- nopolies and restrictions: lavished vast bo- dies of hind on their minions; and often entrusted the reins of power to incompetent, corrupl and tyrannical governors. When Lord Howard, of Effingham, returned to England, he had left the administration in the hands of Col. Bacon, president. Upon the accession of William and Mary, Eng- land being on the eve of a war with France, the president and council of Virginia were • Chalmers' Annals, p. 347. Grahame, vol. ~, ;>. 108. See also Burk, vol. 2, p. 304. 1677-1700.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 101 directed by the duke of Shrewsbury to put the colony in a posture of defence. Col. Philip Ludwell who had been sent out as agent of the colony, to prefer com- plaints against Lord Howard of Effingham, before the privy council, now at length ob- tained a decision in some points rather favor- able to the colony ; but the question of pre- rogative was determined in favor of the crown, and it was declared that an act of 16S0 was revived by the king's disallowing the act of repeal. Bacon's administration was short ; he had now attained a very advanced age. In his time the project of a college was re- newed, but not carried into effect. ' [lb'90.] Lord Effingham being still absent from Virginia, on the plea of ill health, Fran- cis Nicholson who had been driven from New York by a popular outbreak, came over as lieutenant governor. He found the colony inflamed with disaffection and ready for re- volt. The people were indignant at seeing Effingham still retained in the office of gov- ernor-in-chief, believing that Nicholson would become his tool. The revolution in England seemed as yet to be productive of no amend- ment in the colonial administration. How- ever Nicholson now courted popularity. He instituted athletic games and offered prizes to those who should excel in riding, running, shooting, wrestling and fencing. He pro- posed the establishment of a post-office. He recommended the erection of a college; but refused to call an assembly to further the scheme, being under obligations to Effing- ham, to stave off assemblies as long as pos- sible, for tear of complaints being renewed against his arbitrary administration.! How- ever, Nicholson and the council headed a private subscription and twenty-live hun- dred pounds were raised, part of this sum being contributed by some London mer- chants. The new governor made a " pro- gress" through the colony, mingling freel) with the people. He carried his indulgence * Beverley, li. 1, p. 91. Presidenl Bacon resided in York county. He married Elizabeth, daughter ol Richard Kingsmill, Esq., of James ( lily county. Leaving no < hil- dren, by bis will, he gave his estati s to bis niece, Abigail Burwell, — his riding-horse, Watt, to Lad) Berkli y, al thai time w ife ol ( !ol. Philip Ludw ell. Pr< sidenl Bi c March 16th, 1692, in bis 73rd year, and lies buried on King's Creek. See communication in Farmers' R vol. for 1839, pp. 407-408, citing James City Records. f Beverley, B. I. p. 92. to the common people so far, as frequently to suffer them to enter the room where he was entertaining company at dinner and di- verted himself with their scrambling amongsl one another and carrying off the victuals from the table. There is but one step from the courtier to the demagogue. When Nicholson entered on the duties of governor, Rev. James Blair, newly appointed commissary for Va., assumed the supervision of the churches in the colony. The same functions had been previously discharged by the Rev. Mr. Temple, but he was not regu- larly commissioned. When the assembly met, [1691,] they entered heartily into the scheme of a college. Blair was despatched with an address to their majesties, William and Mary, soliciting a charter for the college. Their majesties not only granted the charter, but gave the college two thousand pounds.* besides endowing it with twenty thousand acres of land, the patronage of the office of surveyor general, together with the revenue arising from a duty of one penny a pound on all tobacco exported from Virginia and Maryland to the other plantations. The col- lege was also allowed to return a burgess to the assembly. The assembly afterwards add- ed a duty on skins and furs. Dr. Blair was the first president of the college, t [1692.] The office of treasurer was crea- * " Seymour, the English Attorney General, havii i ceived the royal commands, to prepare the charter of the college, which v\as to be accompanied with a grant ot £2,000, remonstrated against this liberality, urging that the nation was engaged in an expensive war, thai the mone) was wanted for better purposes and that In did not see the slightest occasion for a college in Virginia. Blair, (the Commissary for tin 1 Bishop of London in Virginia,) repre- sented to him, thai its intention was to educate and qualify young men to be ministers ol the gospel and begged Mr. Attorney would consider thai the people ol Virginia had souls to be saved as well as the people of England. 'Souls! (said he) damn your souls!— make tobacco.'" Franklin's Correspondence, cited by Grahame's Hist. U. S., vol. I, p. 109, in note. t The plan of the College was the composition of Sir Christopher Wren. "There v a commencement at Willi-im .Hid Mar) College in theyeai 1700,al whii was a great concourse ol people; several planters came thither in their coaches and several in sloops, from New York, Pennsylvania and .Man I ind ; ii being a new I America to hear graduates perform their academical < xer- eises. The Indians themselves had the curiosity to come to Williamsburg on tins occasion; and the whole i . as il they had some relish of learning." < lldmixon. i .os before, there had bei n cell bi ated a com- mencement ai Harvard, in Massachusetts. See Grahame, p ;">, in note. 102 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXVIII. ted in Virginia and Colonel Edward Hill re- ceived the first appointment to it. In this year Nicholson was succeeded by Sir Edmund Andros, whose high-handed course had rendered him so odious to the people of New England that they had lately imprisoned him. He was nevertheless kind- ly received by Virginia, whose solicitations to king William for warlike stores, had been successfully promoted by him. But he soon gave offence by an order to hire vessels to cruise against illegal- traders. However the assembly yielded to his importunities five hundred pounds in aid of New York. Four companies of rangers protected the frontiers; while English frigates guarded the coast. The colony enjoyed long repose. Andros took singular pains in arranging and preser- ving the public records, and when, [1698,] the state-house was burnt, he caused the papers that survived the .fire, to be arranged with more exactness than before. He or- dered all the English Statutes to be law in Virginia. This preposterous rule gave great dissatisfaction. He was a patron of manu- factures ; but the acts for establishing fullino- mills were rejected by the board of trade. He encouraged the culture of cotton ; which however fell into disuse. At length his cor- ruption and tyranny so provoked the Virgi- nians, that they sent him a prisoner to Eng- land, with heavy charges against him. [November, 1698.] Nicholson was trans- ferred from Maryland, where his administra- tion was judicious, to be again governor of Virginia. He entertained a plan of confed- erating the colonies and aspired to become himself the viceroy of the contemplated Union. Finding himself thwarted in these projects, his conduct was self-willed and overbearing. In a memorial sent to Eng- land, he slated that tobacco bore so low a price as noi to yield clothes to the planters: yet in the same paper advised parliament to prohibit the plantations from making their own clothing : in other words, proposing thai h< i i! I be left to go naked. - For the sake of a healthier .situation, he removed the seal of government from Jamestown, now containing only three or four good inhabited houses, to Middle Plantation, so called from it.s lying midway b- ■ Bevi rley, B. I, p ! James and York rivers. Here he projec- ted a large town, laying out the streets in the form of a W and M in honor of William and Mary. This plan was how- ever afterwards abandoned. The new capi- ta! was called Williamsburg after the king.* Nicholson also built the capitol at one end of the Duke of Gloucester street ; the col- lege being at the opposite end. CHAPTER XXVIII. 1700—1723. Nicholson's tyrannical conduct; Capture of a Piratical vessel; William III. dies and is succeeded by Anne; Nicholson's complaints against the colony; He is recall- ed; Settlement of Huguenots in Virginia; The Church; EdwardNott Governor; Succeeded by Jennings; Hunter; Alexander Spotswood Lieut. Governor; His early histo- ry ; Dissolves the Assembly ; Assists North Carolina ; Rigid economy of Virginia; The Church establishment ; Sjiotswood's tramontane expedition; Condition of Vir- ginia at the accession of George I. ; Spotswood's alter- cations with the legislature; Theach the Pirate; Com- plaints against Spotswood; Harmony restored; Spots- wood displaced ; His character. If we are to credit the accounts of a con- temporary writer, Beverley, Nicholson de- clared openly to the lower order of people : " that the gentlemen imposed upon them ; — that the servants had all been kidnapped and had a lawful action against their masters." [1700.] Mr. Fowler, the king's attorney-gen- eral, declaring some piece of service against law, the governor seized him by the collar and swore, " that he knew no laws they had and that his commands should be obeyed without hesitation or reserve." He commit- ted gentlemen who offended him to prison, without any complaint and refused to allow bail, and some of them having intimated to him, thai such proceedings were illegal, he replied, " that they had no right at all to the liberties of English subjects, and that he would hang up those that should presume to oppose him, with magna charta about their necks." lie often extolled the governments of Fez and Morocco, and at a meeting of the + Hugh Jones' Presi nl Si ite of Virginia 1700-23. HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 103 governors of the college, told them "that he knew" how to govern the Moors and would beat them into better manners.".' At another time he avowed that he knew how to govern the country without assemblies and if they should deny him anything, after he had ob- tained astanding army, " he would bring them to reason with halters about their necks." His outrages, (says Beverle} ,) made him jeal- ous, and to prevent complaints being sent to England against him, he intercepted letters, employed spies and even played the eves- dropper himself. He sometimes held inquis- itorial courts to find grounds of accusation against such as incurred his displeasure. * Such are the allegations against Nicholson. Yet some allowance may safely be made for prejudice, some for the exaggerations of idle rumor. The accusations have reached us, but not the defence, t In the second year of Nicholson's admin- istration a piratical vessel was captured within the capes of Virginia. The pirate had taken some merchant vessels in Lynhaven bay. A small vessel happening to witness an engage- ment between the Corsair and a Merchant- man, conveyed intelligence of it to the Sho- ram, a fifth-rate man-of-war, commanded by Captain Passenger and newly arrived. Nich- olson chanced to be atKiquotan, (Hampton,) sealing up his letters and going on board the Shoram, was present in the engagement that followed. The Shoram by day-break having got in between the capes and the pirate, in- tercepted her and an action took place. [April 29, 1700, J lasting ten hours, when the pirate surrendered upon condition of beino- referred to the king's mercy. In this affair * Beverley, B. 1, pp. 97-102. + Robert Beverley author of a History of Virginia, pub- lished the first edition "1 thai work [ 170."'.] li is na the persecuted clerk, died [1687.] it is probable that the historian was a relative of the clerk. In the preface in his second edition, published | i 722,] lie says, " My first busi- ness in the world, bi the public records of my country," &c. hi the same year, [1722,] an Abridgment ol the Laws of Virginia ascribed to him, was publi London, (See 1. Hening, p. 5.) If the historian was so related to the clerk, it may account in part lor Ins acrimon} againsl C ind Effingham, who had persecuted his namesake and kinsman, a Nichol m, who was Effingham's deputy. In his see. mil edition, whi n time I ml nut igated his animositii , 1 rlfj omitted mani accusations against the.se governors. In favor of Nichol- son it is to be observed that his administration was more satisfactory in Maryland ami in South Carolin t. 1 in \ ii ginia w as probably not all on hi fell Peter Heyman, grandson of Sir Peter Heyman of Summi rfield, in the county of Kent, England. Being collector ol' the cus- toms in the lower district of James River, he volunteered to go on board the Shoram on this occasion, and after behaving with un- daunted courage for seven hours, standing on the quarter deck near the governor, was killed by a small shot. [March, 1702.] William III. died. His manner was cold ami reserved, his genius military, bis decision indexible. In bis fond- ness of prerogative power he showed him- self the grandson of the first Charles ; as the defender of the protectant religion and prince of Orange, he displayed toleration to all except papists. The government of Vir- ginia under him was not materially impro- ved, lie was succeeded by Anne, daughter of James II. Louis XIV. having recognized the Pretender as lawful heir to the British crown, Anne, shortly after she succeeded to the throne, [1702.] declared war against France and its ally Spain. Virginia was but little affected by the long conflict that en- sued. Nicholson, in a memorial to the council of trade, described the people of Virginia as numerous, rich and of republican principles, such as ought to be lowered in time ; — that then or never was the time to maintain the queen's prerogative and put a stop to those pernicious notions, which were increasing daily, not only in Virginia, but in all her majesty's other governments, and that a frown from her majesty now would do more than an army thereafter. And he insisted on the necessity of a standing army. [1701.] Colonel Quarry, surveyor-general of the Customs, wrote to the board of trade that " this malignant humor is no! confined to Virginia, formerl} the most remarkable for loyalty, but is universally diffused." At length upon complaint of Commissary Blair, and six of the council, .Nicholson was recall- [1705.] Col. Nicholson, before entering on tin; government of Virginia had been Lieutenant Governor of New iTork under Andros, and afterwards ai the head of the administration from 1687 to 1689, when he was expelled by a popular tumult. From 1690 to 16 was Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. • Bev< iay, B. 1, p 104. 104 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXVIII. 1694 to 1699 he held the government of Ma ryland, where with the zealous assistance of Commissary Bray, he busied himself in es- tablishing episcopacy. Returning to the government of Virginia, he remained till 1705. [1710.] He was appointed General and commander-in-chief of the forces sent against Fort Royal in Acadia which was surrendered to him. [1711.] He headed the land force of another expedition, direct- ed against the French in Canada. The na- val force on this occasion was commanded by the imbecile brigadier Hill. The enter- prise was corrupt in its purpose, feeble and unfortunate in its conduct, and abortive in its result. This failure was attributable to the mismanagement and inefficiency of the fleet. [1713.] Nicholson was governor of Nova Scotia. Having received the honor of knighthood, Sir Francis Nicholson, [1720,] was appointed governor of South Carolina, where during four years he conducted him- self " with a judicious and spirited attention to the public welfare, which proved highly grateful to the inhabitants, and honorably brightened the closing scene of his political life in America. The intriguing politician seemed now to be lost in the eager, busy and ostentatious patron of public improvement, and the distinction which he formerly court- ed from an enlargement of his authority, he was now contented to derive from a liberal a popular exercise of it. He promoted the establishment of schools and tiic spread of education, contributing his own time and money in aid of these useful purposes, and he prevailed with the English society for pro- pagating the Gospel, to send a number of clergymen to the province and endow them with liberal salaries in addition to the pro- vincial stipends." He concluded a treaty of peace with the powerful Indian tribe called the Creeks, and by presents and flattering attentions, gained the friendship of the still more powerful Cherokees. ' : Returning to England, June 1725, he died at London, March 5, L728. He was " an adept in colo- nial governments, trained by experience in New York, in Virginia, in Maryland; brave and not penurious, but narrow ami irascible; of loose morality, yel a fervenl supporter of the church." t ' < oali. line. ArilPrii an Edit j | Bancroft, vol 2, p. 82. Upon the revocation of the edict of Nan- tes, by Lewis XIV., [1685,] more than half a million of French protestants, called Hugue- nots, fled from the jaws of persecution to foreign countries. About forty thousand sought refuge in England. [1690.] King William III., sent over a number of them to Virginia, and lands were allotted to them on James River. During the year 1699, anoth- er body of them came over, conducted by their clergyman Philippe de Richebourg. * Others followed in succeeding years. The larger part of them settled at Manakin, (Mon- acal!,) town, on the South bank of the James, about twenty miles above the falls, on rich lands, formerly occupied by the Monacan Indians. The rest dispersed themselves over the country; — some on the James, some on the Rappahannock. The settlement at Man- akin town was erected into the parish of King William in the county of Henrico and exempted from taxation for many years, t The refugees received from the king and the assembly large donations of money and pro- visions and found in Col. William Byrd, of Westover, a generous benefactor. Each settler was allowed a stripe of land running back from the river to the foot of the hill. Here they raised cattle ; undertook to do- mesticate the buffalo ; manufactured cloth and made claret wine from wild grapes. Their settlement extended about four miles along the river. In the centre they built a church. They conducted their worship after the German manner, and the surrounding woods echoed their melodious hymns. They repeated family worship three times a day. Manakin town was then on the frontier and there was no oilier settlement nearer than the fills ; yet the Indians never mole; led these pious refugees. There was no mill i r than the mouth of Falling Creek, : twenty miles distant, and f lie Huguenots hav- ing no horses, were obliged to carry their com on their backs to the mill. Many ami- able ami respectable families of Virginia are descended from these Huguenots, among (hem tin' Maurys, Fontaines, Dupuys, Lacys, Munfords, Flournoys, Duval's, Guerants, Bon- * Martin's History of North Carolina, p. 232 and Hawk's, p. 78, et seq. Grahanie. American Edition, vol. 2, p History of the Presbyu rian Ch in h, Part 1, p. 51. 1 Hi niii ■. \ •!. ::, v . 201. t V\ hich empties int< les below the falls -I that nw r. 1700-23.1 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 105 durantsandTrents. [1702.] There were twenty nine counties in Virginia and forty-nine par- ishes; of which thirty four were supplied with ministers, fifteen vacant In each parish was a church of timber, brick or stone ; in the larger parishes one or two chapels of ease ; so that the whole number of places of worship for a population of 60,000 was about 70. In every parish a dwelling-house was provided for the minister, with a glebe of 250 acres of land and sometimes a few negroes or a small stock of cattle. The salary of 16,000 pounds of tobacco was in ordinary quality equiva- lent to i£S0 ; in sweet-scented to £160. It required the labor of twelve negroes to pro- duce this amount. Then 1 were in Eastern Virginia three Quaker congregations, and as many Presbyterian. * [1699.] A penalty of five shillings was im- posed on such persons as should not attend * Two in Accomac under the care ol Rev. Fran is Ma- kernie— the other on Elizabeth river. " Ii seems r rom Commissary Blair's report on the state of the church in Virginia, that it existed before the commencement ol tin last century. From the fad of Mr. Makemie's directing in his will that his dwelling-house and lot on Elizabeth river should be sold, it lias been inferred that he-had resided there before he moved to the opposite side of the Chesapeake, and that the church in question was gathered by him. If so, it must have been formed, before 1G90 ; for at that time Mr. Makemie wis residing on the Eastern £hore. Others have supposed that the congregation was composed of a small company of Scotch emigrants, whose 'descendants are still to be found in the neighb hood of Norfolk." [171(1 ] In a letter written by the Presbytery of Philadel- phia to that ol Dublin, it issaid, " In all Virginia we have one small congregation on Elizabeth river, and some few families favoring our way in Rappahannock and York." [1712 | Rev. John Ma.ky Was the pasloi ol the Elizabeth river congregation. Hodge's History of the Presbyterian church, Part 1st, pp. 76-77. "The Rev. Francis Makemie, who is often spoken of as the father of our church, was settled in Accomac county, \ 11 1 ail, anterior to th^ year 1690, when lus name first ap- pears upon the county records. According to some ac- counts, he was a native of Scotland; according to Mr. Sp< nee, of the North of Ireland. Mr. Spence thinks that he was ordained by the Presbytery of Donegal. It. is cer- tain, however, that he came to this country an ordained minister and v\as "in principle and upon conviction a thorough Presbyterian." He is represented as having been "a venerable an I imposing character, distinguished for piety, learning and much steady resolution and persever- ance." His successful labors on the Eastern Shore ol Maryland, bis imprisonment in New York for preaching in that city, and his able defence upon his trial, are familiarly known to the public. He died in L708, leaving a large es- tate." Ibid, pp. 88-89. "Makemie's Tryal," may be seen in 1 Force. Makemie, at the tune of Ins trial, was a resi- dent of Accomac, in Virginia. The "Tryal," p. 50, eon- tains a copy of a license to preach "at his own house at Accomack-lown and his dwelling-house at Pocamock." This license was procured October 10th 1699 from the county court of Accomac. the parish church once in two months. Dis- senters qualified according to the Toleration Act of the first year of William and Mary, were exempted from this penalty, provided they should attend " at any congregation or place of religious worship permitted and al- lowed by the said act of Parliament once in two months." * Many of the ministers sent out from Eng- land were incompetent; some profligate. Religion .slumbered in languor. Altercations between minister and people were not untre- quent. Sometimes an exemplary pastor was removed from mercenary motives, or on ac- count of his faithful discharge of his duties. More frequently the unfit were retained by popular indifference. The clergy in effect, did not enjoy that permanent independency of the people, which properly belongs to a hierarchy. The vestry " thought themselves the parson's master," and the clergy deplor- ed the precarious tenure of their livings. The Commissary's powers were few and lim- ited ; — he was but the shadow of a bishop. He could not Ordain, nor confirm; he could not depose a minister. Yet the people, most jealous of ecclesiastical tyranny, watched his movements with a vigilant and suspicious eye. The church in Virginia was destitute of an effective discipline, t [1705.] Appeared the first American news- paper, " The Boston News-Letter." [Au- gust, 1705,] Edward Nott came over to Vir- ginia, lieutenant governor, under George, earl of Orkney, who had been made governor- in-chief. From this time the office of gov- ernor-in-chief became a pensionary sinecure, enjoyed by one residing in England and who out of a salary of two thousand pounds a year, received twelve hundred. The Earl oi Orkney enjoyed this revenue for forty years. * 3 Ilenuvj, p. 171. The following is Hennm's note on this law: — "This is the first notici taken by the laws ol Virginia ol the toleration act, as n is called in England, ol 1. William and Mary. It is surely an abuse ol terms, to call a law a toleration stoni s, resi mbling heads ol nails with the inscrip- tion on one side, ' Sic juval transcendere montes.' Tins he instituted lo encourage gentlemen to venture backward .mil make discoveries and settlements, any gentleman be- tled lo weai this golden shoe who could prove that I ijesty 's health on Vlt. < reorae." I A novel, called "The Knight ol the Horse-Shoe," by Dr. William A < 'arm leas, derives its nine' ami subject from Spotsw 1's exploit. The miniature horse - nad belonged to him, (as I have been told by a lady, his :n] daughter, who had seen it) was small en lie worn on a watch chain. 108 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXVIII. lation of Virginia had increased to seventy- two thousand whites, and twenty-three thou- sand blacks. Their number was enlarged by ten thousand Africans imported during this reign. Their condition was a rather rigorous servitude. Virginia and Maryland, the two tobacco colonies, exceeded in commercial consequence all the other Anglo-American colonies put together. Virginia exchanged her Indian corn, lumber and provisions, for the sugar, rum and wine of the West Indies and the Azores. The number of counties was now twenty-five. The government con- sisted of the governor, twelve councillors, who mimicked the English House of Lords, and fifty-two burgesses. The revenue of four thousand pounds being inadequate to the public charge, was eked out by three bun- oath of allegiance, in order to avail himself of a proclamation of pardon offered by the king. Wasting the fruits of sea-robbery in gambling and debauchery, Blackbeard again embarked in piracy. Having captured and brought in a valuable cargo, the Carolinians gave notice of it to the government of Vir- ginia. Spotswood and the assembly imme- diately proclaimed a large reward for his ap- prehension, and Lieutenant Maynard, attach- ed to a ship of war stationed in the Chesa- peake bay, was sent with two small vessels and a chosen crew, in quest of him. A bloo- dy action ensued in Pamlico bay, [21st Nov., 1718.] Blackbeard had posted one of his men with a lighted match over the powder- magazine, to prevent a capture, by blowing up his vessel. This order failed to be exe- dred pounds from the royal quit-rents. Thejcuted. Blackbeard surrounded by the slain, militia numbered fifteen thousand. The Vir- ginians " chose such burgesses as had de- clared their resolution to raise no taxes for any occasion whatsoever." [1715.] They expelled two burgesses for serving without pay ; which they termed bribery. At this session Spotswood conceiving the assembly to be actuated only by faction, after five and bleeding from his wounds, in the act of cocking a pistol, fell on the bloody deck and expired. His surviving followers surrender- ed. Maynard returned with his prisoners to James River, Blackbeard's head hanging from the bowsprit. The pirates were tried in the Admiralty Court at Williamsburg, [March, 1718.] Thirteen of them were hung. Ben- weeks spent in fruitless altercations, dissol- jamin Franklin then an apprentice in a print- ved them with harsh and contemptuous ex- ing office, composed a ballad on the death of pressions, which offended the spirit of the Theach. * burgesses. He had already wounded the j pride of the aspiring council, long the oli- garchy of the Old Dominion. Anonymous letters were now continually transmitted to England against him. The board of trade justly reproved him for his offensive language to the burgesses. In other points, Spots- wood vindicated himself with vigor and suc- cess. When, [1717,] the ancient laws of the colony were revised, the acts of 1663, for preventing the recovery of foreign debts and for prohibiting the assemblage of Quakers, and that of 1676, (one of Bacon's laws,) ex- cluding from office all persons who had not resided three years in the colony, were re- pealed by the king. John Theach, or Teach, a pirate, com- monly called Blackbeard, [ l?ls,j established his rendezvous at tin: mouth of Pamlico, in North Carolina. He bribed Eden, the gov- ernor of that province, and Knight, secretary of state with gold and enjoyed their protec- tion. Theach surrendered himself with twen- ty men to his patron, Eden, and took the At length eight members of the council, " Grahame's Hist. U. S., vol. 3, p. 88, and Franklin's Memoirs. See also " A General History of the Pyrates," published at London, [1726.] and " Lives and Exploits of Banditti and Robbers," by C. Macfarlane. There is, it. is said, a place mar Hampton, called " Blackbeard's point," where his head was stuck up > in terrorem. Martin in Ids History "I' North Carolina, volume 1, pp. 281-285, indi- rectly exculpates Eden and Knight. ■' There were men unfriendly to governor Eden and to the judge, [he was then acting Chief Justice,] Tobias Knight, who said that the governor had received sixty hogsheads of sugar a3 a dou- ceur and the judge twenty; and in order to elude every means of enquiry into the affair, the ship on a suggestion that she was leaky anil un»eaWorthy, was consumed by fire." p. 283. Audit is true that Eden and Knight were acquitted of Maine by the council, p. "i S ( ; . In Appendix to the same, vol e I, p. 15, may be seen Knight's defence before the council. li is prevaricating in several points. There was a letter found among Theach's papers, after his death, iiddn ssed to him by Knight, dated November 17th, 1717. This lettei goes strongly to prove a confederation bet ween I be governor, I In' secretary and the pirate. It con- cludes thus : "I expect, the governor this night or to-mor- row, who I believe would be glad likewise to see you be- fore you go. I have not time to add, sale my hearty respects to ijmi and urn your real friend and servant. — T. Knight." Kin lit acknowledged that he wrote this letter at the Governor's instance. Why was it, that Eden took no measures u> apprehend Blackbeard? 1700-23.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. ion headed by Commissary Blair, complained that Spotswood had infringed the charter, by as- sociating inferior men with them in criminal trials. Blair would have been better employ- ed in those spiritual functions, which proper- ly belonged to him and which he adorned. The government sustained Spotswood. While he exploded the clamors of an arrogant cabal, lie lamented to the board of trade, " how much anonymous obloquy had been cast upon his character, in order to accomplish the de- signs of a party, which by their success in removing other governors, are so far encour- aged, that they are resolved no one shall sit easy, who doth not resign his duty, his rea- son and his honor to the government of their maxims and interests." This bold statement exposes a secret under-current in the colo- nial administration, — the domineering am- burgesses, now united harmoniously in pro- moting the public welfare. Predatory par- ties of the Six nations were repelled by force and conciliated by presents. The frontier was pushed to the foot of the Blue Ridge and two new piedmont counties, were by the governor's solicitations, exempted for ten years from quit-rents. Sir Alexander Spotswood urged upon the British government the policy of establishing a chain of posts beyond the Alleghanies, from the lakes to the Mississippi, to restrain the encroachments of the French. But the ministry did not enter into his views and it was not till after the treaty of Aix-la-C Im- pede, that his wise admonitions were heeded and his plans adopted. He also failed in an effort to obtain from the British government compensation for his companions in the bition of the council,* — long the fruitful ! western exploration. At length, owing to source of mischiefs to Virginia. It is on this j the intrigues and envious whispers of men account that many of the accusations against far inferior to him in capacity and- honesty; the governors are to be received with caution j Spotswood was displaced [1722,] and suc- and many grains of allowance. [1718.] The assembly refused to pass salu- tary measures recommended by the gover- nor ; attacked his powers by investing the county courts with the appointment of their own clerks and strove to embarrass his ad- ministration and to displant him. He dis- played ability and moderation in these dis- putes, and when the assembly had completed their charges, prorogued them. This effer- vescence of ill humor excited a re-action in favor of Spotswood. In a short time address- es poured in from the clergy, the college, and almost every county, reprobating the factious conduct of the burgesses and ex- pressing the public happiness under an ad- ministration which had raised the colony from penury to prosperity. Meantime Col. William Byrd, who had been sent io London, the colonial agent, having failed in his ef- forts against Spotswood, begged the hoard of trade "to recommend forgiveness and moderation to both parties." The recom- mendation of the hoard, enforced by the ad- vice of Lord Orkney, the governor-in-chief, the Duke of Argyle and other great men who patronized Spotswood, buried these discords in oblivion. Spotswood, the council and the * St i tli complains of tins evil and expresses Ins appn hensions in a tone delicate indeed yel so firm, as must have been very unpalatable to the body referred to. ceeded by Hugh Drysdale. An English his- torian * thus speaks of Spotswood : — " Hav- ing reviewed the uninteresting conduct of the frivolous men, who had ruled before him, the historian will dwell with pleasure on the merits of Spotswood. There was an utility in his designs, a vigor in his conduct and an attachment to the true interest of the king- dom and die colony, which merit the great- est praise. Had he attended more to the courtly maxim of Charles II., ' to quarrel with no man. however great might he tin.' provocation ; since he knew not how soon he should be obliged to act with him,' that able officer might be recommended as the model of a provincial governor. The lidded heroes who had discovered the uses of the anvil and the axe; who introduced the la- bors of the plough with the arts of the fisher, have been immortalized as the greatest ben- efactors of mankind ; had Spotswood even invaded the privileges while he only mortified the pride of the Virginians, they ought to have erected a statue to the memory of ,i ruler, who gave them the manufacture of iron and showed them by his active example, that it is diligence and attention which can alone make a people great." Spotswood was well skilled in the mathe- matics. He built the octagon magazine at * Chalmers in Introduction, vol 2, p. 78. no HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXIX. Williamsburg and rebuilt the college, which had been burned down and made improve- ments in the governor's house and gardens. He was an excellent judge on the bench. At his instance a fund was established for instructing Indian children in Christianity, and he erected a school for that purpose on the frontier. * He was the author of an act for improving the staple of tobacco, and ma- king tobacco-notes the medium of ordinary circulation. Being a perfect master of the military art, he kept the militia of Virginia under admirable discipline. The county of Spotsylvania, formed [1720,] was called af- ter him. Here he had founded, previous to 1724, the town of Genua una, so called from some Germans sent over by queen Anne and settled there, f and at this place he resided. Owning an extensive tract of country and finding it abounding in iron ore, he engaged largely in the manufacture of it. He has been styled "the Tubal-Cain of Virginia;" he was indeed the first person who ever estab- lished a furnace in North America, t [1730.] He was made deputy post-master-general for the colonies, and he held that place until 1739, § when he was appointed commander- in-chief of the colonial troops, in the expe- dition fitted out against Carthagena. He died, however, when on the eve of embark- ing, at Annapolis, [June 7th, 1740.] || * " He [Gov. Spotswood,] built a fort called Foil Christ n;i, not so far back, where I have seen seventy-seven In- dian children at school at a tune at the governor's sole ex- pense. The children could read and say their catechism and prayers tolerably well. Bui this pious design being laid a.side through opposition of pride and interest, Mr. Griffin was removed to the college, to leach the Indians placed there by the benefactions of Mr. Boyle. The In- dians so loved and adored him that ] have seen them lilt him up in tlinr arms, and they would have chosen him king of the Saponey nation." Hugh .lours' Present State ol Virginia, cited by Rev. Philip Slaughter, in his History ol St. George's Parish, p. 53. + Howe's Hist. Collections of Virginia, p. 175. Hist, ol St. George's Parish, pp. 10-11. ! Westover MSS., p. 132. Col. Byrd's account ol Ins visit to Spotsw oi id. c> It, was Spotswood that promoted Benjamin Franklin to the office ol postmaster for the Province of Pennsylva- nia, 2 Grahame, p. I5G, American Edition. || 3 Bink, p. 101. Lempriere's Biog. Die, Art. Spots- wood. From the Virginia Gazette. — 1739. "Col. Spots- wood intending next year to leave Virginia with his family, hereby gives notice thai he shall in April next dispose ol a quantity of choice household furniture together with a coach, chariot, chaise, coach horses, house slaves, &>■ And thai the rich lands in Orange county, which he has bitherto reserved for his own seating, he now leases our CHAPTER XXIX. 1723—1749. Drysdale Governor; His feeble administration ; Succeeded by Gooch ; Miscellaneous affairs; Expedition against Carthagena; Lawrence Washington; Virginia troops enlist, to succor Oglethorpe in Georaia ; The Virsinia Gazette; Richmond; Scotch-Irish settlers; German settlers; John Lewis a pioneer in Augusta; Burden's Grant ; Rencontre with the Shawnees; Treaty of Lan- caster; Death and character of William Byrd; Rebel- lion in favor of the Pretender; Loyalty of Virgi- nia; Miscellaneous incidents; Dissenters in Virginia; Whitel'a |i| ; Originof Presbytenanism in Hanover; Mor- ris; Missionaries; Rev. Samuel Davies ; Gooch's mea- sures against Moravians, New Lights and Methodists ; Gooch resigns; His character; Robinson; Lee; Bur- well. [September, 1723.] Hugh Drysdale assum- ed the administration of Virginia amidst the tranquil prosperity bequeathed him by his pre- decessor. Drysdale, a man of weak calibre, yielded to the current of the day, solicitous for lives, renewable until Christmas 1775, admitting every tenant to the choice of his tenement according to the pri- ority of entry. He further gives notice, that he is ready to treat with any person of good credit, for firming out for 'J! years Germanna and its contiguous lands with the stock thereon and some slaves. As also for farming out fur the like term of years ai nary grist-mill and bolt- ing-mill, lately built by oneol tin- best millwrights in Ameri- ca, and both going by water, taken by a long race out ol the Rapidanne, together v\ ith 600 acres of seated laud adjoining to the said mill. " N. L>. The chariot, (which has been looked upon as one of the best made, handsomest and easiest chariots in London,) is to be disposed of at any time, together with some other goods, No one will be received as a 1 'liant w ho has not the chaiacter o( an industrious man." Governor Spotswood led in MS. an historical account |of Virginia, in the time of his administration, Mr. Ban- 'crofl had access to in, - '■ S. and refers to n in his History. I have been informed by him, thai lie esteems it a docu- ment of eminent value. Aftei remaining long in the Spots- wood family of Virginia, it was communicated by one of that name to a Ion ign gentleman then in this country, and is. il is said, still in Ins possession in Europe. Ii would lie a matter ol regret for all interested in Virginia history, il such a manuscript should be lost. Rev Robert Rose, a native ol Scotl tnd, came ova r t > \ irginia about the - ime i line w iin Spotswood ; according to a t radii ion among some of his descendants, with Spotswood, n: capacity ol Chap- lain. Ii is said ih. ii he afterwards settled near West Point in the county ol King William, and finally removed to Al- bemarle, lie kept for man j years a Diary, in « liich he was in the habil of recording many particulars, wlwch would no doubt gratify tin curio it} of a reader ol the present day. The MS., said to lie quite a large volume, is ~'i\\ extant in possession ol his descendants on the hanks of the Missis- sippi. Rev. M , . Rose lies buried 111 the yard ol rjt. John's church in the city of Richmond. 1723-49.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. Ill only to retain his place. In his name an act regulating the importation of convicts was passed but rejected by the Board of Trade. To free the people from a poll-tax, a duty was judi- ciously laid on the importation of liquors and slaves. Butowing to the avaricious opposition of the African company and interested traders, the measure was repealed, as an encroach- ment on the trade of England. Drysdale congratulated the Duke of Newcastle, "that the benign influence of his auspicious sov- ereign was conspicuous here in a general harmony and contentment amongst all ranks of persons." [1727.] Drysdale dying, July 22, 1726, and Col. Jennings next in order of succession being suspended, Col. Robert Carter took upon himself the ad- • ministration as President of the Council. This gentleman, owing to the ample extent of his landed possessions and to his being Agent of Lord Fairfax, proprietary of a vast territory in the Northern Neck — acquired ythe sobriquet of " King Carter." He was Speaker of the House of Burgesses for six years, Treasurer of the Colony, and for many years member of the Council. He remain- ed at the head of the government upwards of a year, t [1727.] About, the 13th of Oc- tober, [1727,] William Gooch, who had been an officer in the British army, became gov- ernor. The council without authority al- lowed him three hundred pounds out of the royal quit-rents. He in return resigned in a great measure the helm of government to them. Owing partly to this coalition, partly to a well-established revenue and a rigid economy, Virginia enjoyed prosperous re- pose during his long administration. [1727.] | There was one Presbyterian congregation in * Chalmers' tntroduc, vol. 2, pp. 79-80. f 1 Hening, p. 7. He lived al Corotoman on the Rappa- hannock in Lancaster county. Here a church .was com pleted in liiTo undi r the direction of John Carter, first of that family in Virginia. A line old church built by Roberl Carter on the site of the former <>no and still in good pres- ervation has la en described by Bishop Meade in Ins inter- fisting account of some of the old churches of Virginia. Robert Carter, (sometimes (ailed Robin,) married first Ju- dith Armistead, second Hetty, " a descendant of the noble family of the Landons," by whom he left many children. His port rail and that of one ol Ins wives are preserved al Shirley, on .lames river, seat ol Hill Carter, Esq. Phe arms of the Carters bear cart wheels vert. John Cartel first of the family and one of the Council is mentioned in 1 Hening pp.432, 514, 515. Edward Carter, I'm member of the Council, lb. IM, 526. Virginia and preachers from the Philadel- phia Synod visited the colony. * An act of Parliament prohibiting the exportation of stripped tobacco was complained of by the planters, as causing a decline of the trade. They undertook, however, to enhance the value of that commodity by improving its quality, and in July 1732, sent Randolph to England to lay their complaint before the crown. Virginia, nevertheless, continued to prosper, and from the year 1700 her popula- tion doubled in twenty-live years. Now for the first time American troops were transported from the colonies to co- operate with the forces of the mother coun- try in offensive war. An attack upon Car- thagena being determined on, Gooch raised four hundred men as Virginia's quota and the assembly appropriated five thousand pounds. Gooch commanded the colonial troops in the expedition. it proved unsuccessful. Upon this occasion the amount of Virginia's appropriation exceeding the sum in the trea- sury, the remainder was borrowed from wealthy men, with a view to avoid the frauds of depreciation and to secure the benefits of circulation. Lawrence Washington, eldest. brother of George, served in the rank of Cap- tain at the siege of Carthagena and in the West Indies. An accomplished gentleman, he acquired the esteem and confidence of General Wentworth and admiral Vernon, the commanders of the British forces and after the latter named his scat on the Po- tomac. Shortly after the failure at Car- thao-ena an express from South Carolina brought tidings that the Spaniards had made a descent upon Georgia. Captain Dan- dridge, commander of the South-Sea Castle, together with the Snows Hawk and Swift, was despatched to the assistance of General Oglethorpe. The Spaniards were repulsed. Georgia, however, being still threatened by a Spanish forc< . concentrated at St. Augus- tine, in Florida, Oglethorpe sent Lieut. Col. Heron to recruit a regiment in Virginia. Captain Lawrence Washington with a num- ber of officers and soldiers of Couch's Car- * Chalmers' Introduc, vol. 2, pp. 161-162. As to the early Presbyterians see Hodges' Hist, of the Presbyterian church, part 1, pp. 76-77. Hawks, p. 91 Beverli y, B. I V, p. , anno 1705, said, " those counties where the Pr i i.i n Meetings are, product vi ry mean Tobacco and lor that reason can't get an Orthodox Minister to stay amongst them." 112 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXIX. thagena regiment lately discharged, just now arriving at Hampton and meeting with He- ron, many of them enlisted under him. [1736.] The first Virginia newspaper, the Virginia Gazette, appeared. It was pub- lished by William Parks weekly, at 15 shil- lings per annum. It was a small sheet, in the interest of the Government, and long the only journal of the colony. Parks print- ed Stith's History of Virginia and the Laws of Virginia. A printing-press was first es- tablished in South Carolina and a newspa- per in 1734. [1726.] A printing-press was introduced into Maryland. One had been established at Cambridge in Massachusetts before 1647. [1719.] Two newspapers were issued at Boston, and [1725] one at New York. * [1737.] The town of Richmond was laid ofF near the falls of James river by Col. William Byrd, who was proprietor of an extensive tract there. Shocco Warehouse had been already established there for a good many years, t * Grahame, Amer. Ed., vol. 1, pp. 237-393. Vol. 2, pp. 91-99. Howe's Hist. Coll. of Va.,p. 331, citing Thom- as's Hist, of Printing. [1671.] Sir Wm. Berkley thanked God that there were " no free schools nor printing" in Vir- ginia. 2 Hening, p. 517. " Feby 2, 1682, John Buckner" had been "called before ihe Lord Culpepper and his Coun- cil, for printing the laws of 1G80, without his excellency's license and he and the printer ordered to enter into bond in ,£100 not to print any thing thereafter until his majesty's pleasure should lie known." 2 Hening, p. 518. Grahame not adverting to this authority fell into the error of dating the first introduction of the printing press into Virginia in 1729. See his Hist, of U. S , Amer. Ed., vol. 2, p. 91. The first evidence of printing done in Virginia is the edi- tion 1733 of the Revised Laws. 2 Hening, p. 518. t [1645.] Fort Charles, called after the Prince royal, afterwards Charles I., "as established at I lie Falls of .lames liver. 1 Hening, p. 293. [1679.] A tract of land at the falls, extending five miles in length and three in breadth and lying on both sides of the river, was claimed by Capt. William Byrd. 2 Hening, pp. 153-151 A large part of tins land on the North side bad a lew years before belonged to Na- thaniel Bacon, Jr. Byrd had been active in bringing some of the rebels to punishment. 'I'he names Bacon's Quarter and Bacon's Quarter Branch, are still preserved there, [1733 ] Col. Byrd made a visit to his plantations on the Roanoke river mud by M,,|. Mayo, M ., j Munford, Mr. Banister and Mr. PeterJones. While here, he says, " We laid the foun- dation ni two large cities, one at Shacco's to be called Richmond, and the other at the point ol Appomattox, to be called Petersburg. These Major Mayo offered to lay out in lots without feeorrewaid. The truth of it is, these two places, being the uppermost landing id James and Appo- mattox rivers, are naturally intended lor maris, where the traffick of the outer inhabitants must cent re. Thus we did not build castles only bul cities in the air." Westover MSS., p. In7. From the Virginia Gazette, April 1737. This is to give notice, that on the north side of James During Elizabeth's reign, the disaffected and turbulent province of Ulster suffered pre- eminently the ravages of civil war. Quieted for a time by the sword, insurrection again burst forth in the second year of the reign of James I. Repeated rebellions crushed [1605] left a large tract of country desolate and fast declining into barbarism. Nearly six coun- ties of Ulster thus, by forfeiture, fell into the hands of the king. James colonized this unhappy district, with emigrants partly Eng- lish, principally Scotch — one of the few wise and salutary measures of a feeble and inglo- rious reign. The descendants of these col- onists came to be distinguished by the name of Scotch-Irish. The persecutions of the house of Stuart only rivetted more closely their attachment of these Presbyterians to their' religious and political principles, and Crom- well found in them unbending, indomitable disaffection. It was not however before the Revolution of 168S, that the Scotch-Irish be- gan to emigrate to America. Many of them came over and settled in Pennsylvania. Thence they gradually migrated to the Wes- tern parts of Virginia and North Carolina, inhabiting the frontier of civilization and forming a barrier between the red men and the whites of the older settlements. * After the settlement of Jamestown, a century elapsed before Virginia began to extend herself towards the foot of the Blue Ridge. [1714.] Spotswood had ex- plored these mountains as far as to the sources of the confluents of the York and the Rappahannock. The fertile valley of the Shenandoah first allured some hardy ad- venturers, and before the year 1738, some pioneer cabins erected near the Shawnee Springs, formed the embryo of the town of Winchester — long the frontier out-post of river, nearthe uppermost landing and a little below Ihe falls, is lately laid oil' by Major Mayo a town called Richmond, with streets sixty-five feet wide in a pleasant and healthy situation and well supplied with springs and goo^ water, li lies nearthe public warehouse at Shoccoe's and in the midst of great quantities of main and all kinds of provis- ions. The lots will be granted in lee simple, on condi- I ion only, ol building a bouse in I liree years I line, of twenty- four by sixteen feel fronting within live feet of the street. The lots to be rated according to the convenience of their situation and to be sold after this April General Court by me, Wij.i.iam Byrd. * Foote's, Sketches of North Carolina, chap. 5. Gra- hame, American Edition, vol. 2, pp. 57-58, in note. 1723-49. HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 113 the colony. The population of this region was composed of English from low haul Vir- ginia, Germans, and Scotch-Irish from Penn- sylvania. The country bordering the North and South branches of the Shenandoah, was settled by a German population, winch re- tains its language and simplicity of manners at the present day. At length a few bold adventurers, finding their way into the West- ern portion of the Valley, brought back at- tractive descriptions of the charms of that country and some pioneers were tempted to plant themselves in that wild, picturesque, re- mote region. John Lewis, a Huguenot by descent and a native of Ireland, established himself in the forests of Augusta county, near the site of the town of Staunton and on the border of a creek which yet bears his name. Assaulted in his native country by an oppressive landlord and a band of ruffian retainers, seeing his wife wounded and a brother slain, Lewis slew the lawless noble- man and found it necessary to escape from Ireland to America. He reached Virginia, accompanied by his family and thirty of his former tenantry. The king of England af- terwards granted him a pardon and patents for an extensive tract of Western Virginia. The residence of this fearless pioneer came to be known as Fort Lewis. [1736.] Lewis visiting Williamsburg, met with Benjamin Burden, who had lately come ever to Vir- ginia, agent for Lord Fairfax, proprietor of the Northern Neck. Burden accepted Lew- is's invitation to visit him at his sequestered home in the backwoods. The visit was oc- cupied in exploring the virgin beauties of the Valley and in hunting. A captured young buffalo was given to Burden, and he on his return presented it to Governor Gooch, who, thus propitiated, authorized him to lo- cate 100,000 acres of land in Augt Whether the young buffalo was reckoned a consideration equivalent to the land is left to conjecture. [1737.] Burden to settle his territory brought upwards of 100 families from the North of Ireland, Scotland and the border counties of England. Other colo- nies emanating from the same quarters, fol- lowed and settled that portion of the valley intervening between the German settlements and the bord< river. * In * Howe's Hist. Coll.. pp., 181-451, citing extract fiom MS. by R.ev, II my RulFnei. December, 1742, a skirmish occurred in the county of Augusta between a party of the Shawnee Indians and some militia under Colonel Patton. Captain McDowell and seven other militia-men were slam. In 1722 Spotswood had effected a treaty with the Six Nations, by which they stipulated never to appear to the east of the Blue Ridge nor South of the Potomac. As, however, the Anglo-Saxon rare gradually extended like a vapor beyond the western base of that range, collisions ensued. July 31, 1713, a treaty of peace was concluded at Lancaster, in Pennsylvania, between Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania on the one hand and the Six Nations on the other. The tomahawk was buried; the wampum belts of peace de- livered to brighten the silver chain of friend- ship, and the red men for the consideration of four hundred pounds reluctantly relin- quished the country lying westward from the frontier of Virginia to the river Ohio. The expense of this treaty was paid out of the royal quit-rents. In November 4th of this year, William Fairfax, son of the proprietor of the North- ern Neck, was appointed of his majesty's council, in the place of Commissary Blair. About this time died Col. William Byrd, one of the Council. A vast fortune enabled him to live in a style of hospitable splendor before unknown in Virginia, and to indulge a munifi- cent liberality. His extensive learning was improved by a keen observation and refined by an acquaintance and correspondence with the wits and noblemen of his day in England. His writings display a thorough know of the natural and civil history of the colony and contain daguerrotypeskel mesofthe man- ners of hisage. Hisdiffusest; tedby humor, which, according to the spirit of his times, is ofte;i coan e ;im\ indelicate. To him is due the honor of havin j contributed m( ,re perhaps to the preservation of the his- torical materials of Virginia than any other of her sons. * He lies buried in the garden of Ins seat, Weslover, where a marble monument bears the following inscription : '■Herelielh the Honorable William B>nl, Esq. Beti'g l; ( , ru to c ne " ( the amplest fortunes in ibis ( ouutrj , he w s sent early to England for Ins education, where hi ,-.,,,■ and direction "I Sir R it Pit Southwell and i -ei fa- voured with his particular instructions, he made a happy proficiency in polite ami various learning. by ihe means ol Lhtjsam: noble friend, be was introduced to the acquain- 15 114 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXIX. [1744.] France endeavoring to impose a popish pretender of the House of Stu- art upon the people of England, the col- onies were advised to put themselves in readi- ness against the threatened blow. Accord- ingly in the following year the assembly was convened ; but still adhering to a rigid econ- omy, the burgesses refused to make any appropriation of money for that purpose. About this period, Edward Trelawney, Gov- ernor of Jamaica was authorized to recruit a regiment in Virginia. A rebellion burst forth in Scotland in favor of the pretender Charles James. When the news of it reach- ed Virginia, the assembly was called togeth- er. The college, the clergy and the bur- gesses unanimously pledged their private re- sources and those of the colony to support the house of Hanover. A proclamation was issued against Romish priests sent, it was alleged, as emissaries from Maryland to se- duce the people of Virginia from their al- legiance. Intelligence of the overthrow of the pretender at Culloden, [16th of April, 1746,] was joyfully received in the Ancient Dominion and celebrated by effigies of the unfortunate prince, bonfires, processions and illuminations. In May the assembly appro- priated four thousand pounds to the raising of Virginia's quota of troops for the inva- sion of Canada. The troops so raised sailed lance of many ol the first persons of that a«c for know- ledge, wit. virtue, birth or high station, and particularly contracted a most intimate and bosom friendship with the learned and illustrious Charles Boyle, Karl of Orrery. He was called to the liar in the Middle Temple; studied for some time iii the Low Countries; visited the Con it ol France and was chosen Fellow of the Royal Society. Thus eminently titled for the service and ornament of his country, he was made receiver general ol his majesty's revenues here ; was thrice appointed public agent to the court and ministry of England and being thirty-seven years a member, at last became president of the council of this colony. To all ihis were added a great elegancy of taste ami life, the well-bred gentleman and polite companion, the splendid economist and prudent lather of a family, with the constant enemy of all exorbitant power and hearty friend to ihe liberties of his country. Nat. Mar. 28, 1674. Moit. Aug. 2C, I Ml. An J£i»\ 70." His portrait, a fine old cavalier lace, is preserved at Berkley. Beverley, B 1, p. 6'i, thus alludes to the garden at West- over : "Colonel Byrd, in his garden, which is the finest in that country, has a summer-house set round with the Indian I ey-suckle, which all the .Summer is continually full of sweet flowers, in which llifl.^e birds delight exceedingly. I ' | a ii i these flowers I have si en ten or a dozen ol these beautiful ( ream res together, which sported about me so fa- miliarly, tliul with then link wings they often tanned my face." from Hampton in June under convoy of the Fowey man-of-war. The expedition proved abortive. Gooch was knighted during this year. Not long after, the capitol at Williams- burg was burned. The burgesses availed themselves of this conjuncture to propose the establishment of the metropolis at a point more favorable to commerce. This scheme was rejected by the council. Gooch on this occasion displayed duplicity. To the Board of Trade he praised the noble views of the burgesses, while he censured the selfishness of the council ; yet in public he blamed the burgesses, " as he thought this the best method to stifle the flame of contention." In this case he seems not to have reckoned " honesty the best policy." Perhaps it was not and is not generally, else there would be more of it in the world. [1747.] The town of Richmond was es- tablished and in the following year Peters- burg and Blandford. A committee was ap- pointed to revise the laws ; it consisted of Peyton Randolph, Philip Ludwell, Beverley Whiting, Carter Burwell and Benjamin Wal- ler. [1748.] The vestries were authorized to make presentation to benefices. Dissent from the established church began to develope itself in Virginia. Many of the early settlers of the Western frontier were Scotch-Irish Presbyterians. Their remote situation afforded them entire religious free- dom. [1740.) The celebrated Whitefield vis- ited Virginia and preached at Williamsburg by the invitation of Commissary Blair. The extraordinary religious excitement that took place at this time in America, and which was increased by the impassioned eloquence of Whitefield was styled " the New-light Stir." In lower Virginia, Presbyterian ism had its origin chiefly in the county of Han- over. Between 1740 and 1743 a few fami- lies of this county segregated themselves from the established church and were ac- customed to meet for the purpose of wor- ship at the house of Samuel Morris, the zealous leader of this little band of dissent- ers. Of singular simplicity of character sincere, devout, earnest, he was in the habit of reading to his neighbors from favorite re- ligious works, particularly Luther's commen- tary on the Galatians, with the view of com- municating to others, impressions that had 1723-49.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 115 been made on himself. [1743.] Having met with a volume of Whitefield's sermons, he commenced reading them to his audience, who met to hear them every Sunday and frequently on week days. At length his dwelling being found too small to contain his increasing congregation, a meeting-house was built merely for reading, and it came to be called "Morris's Reading-room." He was soon invited to read these sermons in other parts of the country and thus other reading- houses were established. Those who fre- quented them were fined for absenting them- selves from church,- and Morris himself often incurred this penalty. When called on by the General Court to declare to what de- nomination they belonged, these unsophis- ticated dissenters, not knowing what else to call themselves, assumed for the present time, the name of Lutherans, (quite una- ware that this appellation had been appro- priated by any others,) but shortly afterwards they relinquished that name. * Partaking in the religious excitement which then pervaded the colonies, limited in infor- mation and in the means of attaining it, dis- cordant opinions began to divide this little association of unorganized dissenters. Some seemed to be verging towards Antinomianism, and it became a question among them wheth- er it was right to pray, as prayer could not alter the divine purposes and it might be im- pious to desire that it should. [1743.] Rev. William Robinson, a mission- ary sent out by the Presbytery of New Bruns- wick, visited the frontier settlements of Vir- ginia. He preached among the Scotch-Irish settlers of Prince Edward, Campbell, and Charlotte counties, and in the last founded a congregation. Invited to Hanover, he preached for four successive days to large congregations of people. Some of them could not refrain from publicly giving vent * Memoir of Samuel Davies in Evan, and Lit. Mas., (edited by Rev. Dr. John H. Rice,) vol. 2, pp. 113,186,201, 330, 353, 474. This work contains a large mass of valu- able historical and biographical materials appertaining to Virginia. "Origin of Presbylerianism," lb. pp. 340,353. This is a traditional account given from memory after an interval of 25 years. In some points it is erroneous; m general it is no doubt authentic, — in particulars it admits of doubt. Sketch of Hist, of the Church, (by Rev. Moses Hoge, sometime President of Hampden Sydney College,) appended to Campbell's Hist. of Va., pp.290, 310. Hawks, chap. 6. 3 Burk. pp. 119, 125. Hodge's Hist, of Presby- terian church, part 2, pp. 42, 46, 284, 285. to their overwhelming emotions. Many were converted. Robinson before his departure succeeded in correcting some of the errors of the dissenters and brought them to con- duct public worship with better order, prayer and singing of psalms being now introdu- ced, so that " he brought them into some kind of church order on the Presbyterian model." * Another Missionary, Rev. Mr. Roan, from the Newcastle Presbytery, preach- ed with success in Virginia, and the conse- quent excitement, together with his speak- ing freely of the degeneracy of the clergy of the colony, gave alarm to the supporters of the established church and measures were concerted for arresting these inroads of dis- sent. To aggravate the indignation of the government, a perjured calumniator, whose name has not survived, swore, "that he heard Mr. Roan utter blasphemous expressions in his sermon." An indictment was drawn up against him, although he had left the colony. Some of those who had invited him to preach at their houses, were summoned to appear before the General Court, and two of them were fined. The indictment, however, was dropped ; the witnesses summoned to testi- fy against him having testified in his favor ; and the accuser fled from the colony. How- ever, the intolerant spirit of the government continuing unabated, the Synod of New York, [1745,] at the instance of a deputation of Morris and some other dissenters of East- ern Virginia, sent an address to the Gov- ernor of Virginia, in their behalf, by two clergymen, William Tennent and Samuel Finley. They were kindly received by Gooch and were allowed to preach in Hanover, but they returned in a week to their own coun- try. The first Presbyterian ministers who visited this part of Virginia, Robinson, Todd, Roan, &c, were by the people denominated New Lights — a name employed by their ad- herents in a favorable sense; by their oppo- nents as an epithet of ridicule. In 1743, when Morris and some other dissenters had at Williamsburg professed their adhesion to the tenets of the Presbyterian "Confession of Faith," Gooch had received them kindly and recognized their right to the privileges * "Origin of Preshyterianism," Evan, and Lit. Mag., vol. 2. p. 351. Whitefield afterwards preached for some days in Hanover. Mr. Madison, it is said, esteemed White- field the greatest orator that he had ever listened to. lib' HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXIX. of the Toleration Act. * In this year, 1745, it has been seen he gave a like reception to Tennent and Finley. Yet in April of the same year he delivered a severe charge to the grand jury against "certain false teach- ers, lately crept into this government, who without order, or license, or producing any testimonial of their education, or sect, pro- fessing themselves ministers under the pre- tended influence of new light, extraordinary impulse, and such like satirical and enthusi- astick knowledge, lead the innocent and igno- rant people into all kinds of delusion." In the summerofthe following-year he issued aproc- lamation against Moravians, New Lights and Methodists, t prohibiting under severe penal- tics their meetings. In regard to the dissent- ers, Gooch exhibited inconsistency if not du- plicity in bringing such harsh and sweeping charges against these ministers whom he had received so courteously. Perhaps he in- tended to apply his denunciations only to Roan and a few others who had rendered themselves particularly odious. But it is more probable that the Governor at first, when he reckoned the visits of these mis- sionaries transient and their influence incon- siderable, was willing to indulge his courte- ous and obliging disposition towards them. But when dissent was found spreading with such unexpected rapidity, Gooch, together with the clergy and other friends of the es- * According to "Origin of Presbyterianism," 2 Evan. and Lit. Mag., p. 349. "The Governor, Gooch, (who it was said had been educated a Presbyterian, but for the sake ol an office, or for some Other reason, had become a member of the established church,) immediately observed, oa seeing the confession, that these men were Presbyti ri- r.ns and that they were tolerated by the laws of England." The interview between the Governor and Council and Morris and his companions, was interrupted by a thunder- storm of extraordinary fury. Tins wa3 one of a tram of providential events, which the dissenting deputation be- lieved to have been instrumental in bringing about the fa- vorable issue of their application. t 3 Burk, p. 110,122, 126. Rev. Dr. Archibald Alexan- der m the Richmond Watchman and Observer for March 18th, 1847, says— "These lirst Presbyterian Ministers who visited Middle Virginia were by the people denominated New Liuiits. This name was not given lo them in the North, where on accountol the division ol Hie Presbyteri- an Church into two parties they were called ZV< w aidt ami the other party Old .sine. But as those zealous servants of God preached up the doctrine ol justification by faith and regeneration by the Spirit doctrines in those days never heard from the pulpits of the established clergy of Virgin- ia — they were very commonl) denominated New Lights.'' tablishment, became alarmed and had re- course to measures of intolerance which they would rather have avoided. * Rev. Samuel Davies was pre-eminently instrumental in organizing and extending Presbyterianism in Eastern Virginia. Born in the county of Newcastle, Delaware, No- vember 3, 1724, and educated principally in Pennsylvania, he visited Hanover county for the first time, transiently, in April, 1747. Lan- guishing under consumption, which threat- ened to cut him off prematurely, he howev- er recovered sufficient strength to return to Hanover, 1748, and settled at a place about 12 miles from the Falls of James river, t Severe laws had been passed in Virginia in accordance with the English Act of Uni- formity, though with less penalty, and en- forcing attendance at the Parish church. The Toleration Act was little understood in Virginia; Davies examined it carefully and satisfied himself that it was in force in the colony, not indeed by virtue of its original enactment in England, but because it had been expressly recognized and adopted by an act of the Virginia assembly. He had accordingly, upon qualifying according to the act of toleration, procured from the General Court, upon his first arrival in Hanover in 1747, a license of four places of worship, meeting-houses in the language of that day, situated in the counties of Henrico, Hano- ver and New Kent. [October, 1748.] Licen- ses were upon the petitions of the dissen- ters with difficulty obtained, for three other meeting-houses lying in Caroline, Louisa and Goochland. Davies was now only about twenty-four years of age, yet his fervid elo- quence attracted large congregations, inclu- ding many churchmen. On several occasions he found it necessary to defend the cause of the dissenters at the bar of the General Court. In one instance Peyton Randolph, the king's Attorney General, made an elaborate argu- ment to prove that the act of Toleration did not extend to Virginia. When Davies, by permission, rose to reply, a titter ran through the court, li vanished however at the first * Dr. A. Alexander in the communication to the Watch- man and Obsi rvet before cit ed. f Rev. John R idgers, who accompanied Davies, finding it impossible to obtain from the G vernuionl permission to settle in Virginia, returned to the North. Miller's Life of Rodger's cited by Dr. Alexin ler, ubi supr.i. 1723-49.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 117 sentence that he uttered. He contended that it' the Toleration Act did not extend to Virginia, then neither did the act of Uni- formity. His masterly argument commanded admiration, and, during his stay in Williams- burg, he received many civilities, especially from Dr. Blair and Sir William Gooch. And when Davies visited England some \ ears af- ter, he obtained from Sir Dudley Eider, the king's Attorney General, a decision that the Toleration Act did extend to Virginia. Pey- ton Randolph, his "old adversary," happened to be in London at the same time. Sir William Gooch had now been governor of Virginia for twenty-two years, when 14th of August, 1749,] he left the colony amidst the regrets of the people. Notwithstanding an occasional flexibility of principles, he was a man of virtuous character, and this together with singular amenity of manners, made him uncommonly popular. His zeal for the church betrayed him, towards the close of his adminis- tration, into something of intolerance, yet he seems to have commanded the esteem and re- specteven of dissenters.* During his adminis- tration, from 1728 to 1749, the number of the Virginians had nearly doubled and there had been added one third to the extent of their settlements, t The government devolved upon Robinson, president of the council; but he dying within a icw days, Thomas Lee succeeded as presi- dent. The duke of Albemarle \ was now * Campbell, p. 301. Rev. Samuel Davies s] Gooch and the council as follows :— " The Hon. Sir Wi] liam Gooch, our late governor, discovered a ready disposi- tion to allow us all claimable privileges and the greatest aversion to persecuting measures; but considei shocking reports spread abroad coneerniri ■ us, <\ malignants, it was no great wonder the council disi ovi i ed a considerable reluctance to tolerate us. Had it not been fortius, 1 persuade mysell they would have shown them- selves the guardians of our legal privileges as w< II erous patriots to their country, which is the charai erally given them." f Chalmers' Introduction, vol. 2, p. 202. | Of Lord Albemarle, then ambassador in Pans, Horace Walpole says : — " It was convenient to him t<> be anj w here but in England. His debts were excessive, though he was ambassador, Stole, Governor of Virginia, ami Colonel of a regiment of guards. His figure was enti his i iann( r noble le. The rest of Lis men! was i lie interest Lady Albemarle had with the king through Lady Yarmouth. He had all his life imitated the French manners till he came to Pans, where he never conversed ■with a Frenchman. If go , good sense, Lord Albemarleat leasl knew how in distin- guish it fiom good nature. He wouid bow to Ins postilion while he was ruining his tailor." governor-in-chief. This Thomas Lee was father of Philip Ludwell, Richard Henry, Thomas L, Arthur, Francis Lightfoot ami William. As Westmoreland, their native county, is distinguished above all others in \ irginia, as the birth-place of genius, — so perhaps no other Virginian could boast so many distinguished sons as presidenl Lee. lie was succeeded by Lewis Burwell of Glou- cester, an eminent scholar. During his brief administration, nine Cherokee chiefs, with thirty warriors, visited Williamsburg. A party ofthe Notiaways, animated by inveterate hos- tility, approached to attack them. The Pre- sident, however, effected a reconciliation and they sate down and smoked together the ; . of peace. * * Carter's Creek, (the old seat ofthe Pur wells.) is situa- ted on a creek ol thai name and not far back from the 'i nil. river. The high, diamond-shaped chimneys and tin 1 pani I- ling ofthe interior, remind the visitor that Virginia is truly the Ancient Dominion. In the family grave-yard, shaded with locusts, overrun with parasites and gi following inscriptions are to be found : — Here lyeth the Body of Lewis Son of Lewis BVRWELL and Abigail his w lie on the left hand Of ins brother Bacon and ter Jane. He departed tins life ye l?th day of September 1696 in the 15th yeare of his age To the Sacred Memory of Abigail, the loveing and Beloved wife of Matthew llui'weli, ,\( the county ol Glost< r, Virginia, Gent, who was descended of the illustrious family of Paeons and Heiresse of the Honble. Nathaniel Paeon, Esq., President ol Virginia, who Icing more Honorable m her Birth than Vertuous in her Lif this WOrld the 12th day ol Nnvela lti'.l'i, aged 36 years, having !'■ Husband with four sons and ith this in; n 1 1 lies the body of Major Nathaniel Bnr- lest son o( Major Lewis Burwell, who by a well- regulated conduct and linn integrity justly < stabl shi d a good reputation. Hedied in the forty-first year ol his age, leaving behind him three sons and ne daughtei bj beth eldest dai ' iert Carter, E (q, ii istMDCCXXl. yeth the body of the Honle. Lewis Burwell, son of Majr. Lewis Purwell and Lucy his wil unty of Gloster, who first manual Abigail Smith of the Family of the Bacon . b\ vs horn he hi I foui son: . id six d sleep on the snow, with no covering save' their blankets. The next day they employed in making a raft of logs, with the aid only of a hatchet. Just as the sun set behind the- mountains, they launched it and undertook to cross. The river was covered with float- ing masses of ice ; by which before they were half-way over, they were blocked up and near being sunk. Washington putting out his setting-pole to stop the raft, was thrown by the revulsion into the water, but recovered himself by laying hold of one of the logs of the raft. He and his companion forced to abandon it, betook themselves to an island near at hand, where they passed the night in wet clothes and without fire. (list's hands and feet were frozen. In the morning they crossed the river on the ice, and passed two or three days at a trading post near the spot where the battle of the Monongahela was afterwards fought. Wash- ington arrived at Williamsburg on the 16th of January, after an absence of eleven days,, and a journey of 1500 miles, one half through an untrodden wilderness. A journal which he kept of his route, was published in the colonial newspapers and in England.* For this hazardous and painful journey he recei- ved no compensation, save the bare amount of his expenses, f St. Pierre's reply being deemed unsatisfac- tory, Dinwiddie despatched Capt. Trent with a small party to commence a fort at the fork of the Ohio. The assembly raised a regi- ment of three hundred men. The command was given to Colonel Joshua Fry, and Wash- ington was made Lieut. Colonel. [April, 1754.] He obtained leave to proceed with two companies to the Great Meadows. At Will's creek he learned that an ensign in command of Trent's company had surren- dered his fortlet to a large French force, t This first act of hostility bet ween France and England, in North America, took place near the site of Pittsburg. In the war that ensu- ed, England indeed triumphed gloriously, vet that triumph served only to bring on in * 2 Sparks' Writings of Washington, pp. -132-117. + II). p. 92. ( Sparks' Life of Washington, p. -13. Marshall (Lifeof Washington, vol 1, p. 1.) »;ivs erroneously, that Wastiing- ton received this intelligence at the Great Meadows. See 2 Writings of Washington, p. t>. 120 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXX. its train the revolt of the colonies and the dis- memberment of the empire. Lt. Col. Washington ascertaining the cap- ture of the fort, (now called Du-Quesne after the governor of Canada,) and that a detach- ment was then on its march towards his camp, determined to anticipate them. Guided by friendly Indians, in a dark and rainy night he approached the French encampment. At day-break on the 28th of May, with forty of his own men and a party of Indians, he sur- rounded the French. A skirmish ensued; M. de Jumonville, the French commander, and ten of his ['.arty, were killed and twenty- two made prisoners. Of Washington's men, one was killed and two or three wounded. While the regiment was on its march to join the detachment in advance, the command devolved, [May 31st,] on Washington, by the death of Col. Joshua Fry. This officer, a native of England, was educated at Oxford. Coming to Virginia, he was appointed pro- fessor of mathematics in the college of Wil- tnd Mary, and was afterwards a mem- ber of the hous« .■esses, and engaged in running a boundary line between Virginia and North Carolina to the Westward. In concert with Peter Jefferson, father of Tho- mas, he made a map of Virginia, and he was a commissioner at the treaty of Logstown, [June 1752.] lie died universally lament- ed. * The provisions of the detachment be- ing nearly exhausted, and the ground occu- pied disadvantageous, a council of war, held June 28th at Gist's house, thirteen miles be- yond the Great Meadows, advised a retreat, and Colonel Washington fell back to the post at the Great Meadows, now styled Fort Ne- cessity, t His force amounted to about four hundred men. A ditch was commenced around the stockade. Forty or fifty Indian families took shelter in the fort and among them Tanacharison, or the Half-king, and queen Aliquippa. They proved to be of more trouble than advantage, being as spies and scouts of some service; in the field useless. Before the completion of the ditch, M. de Villiers appeared, [.July 3rd, 1754,] before the fort Willi nine hundred men, ami. at eleven o'clock in the forenoon, commenced an at- tack, by firing al the distance of six hundred paces. The assailants fought under cover of * S;, ;i,ks' Writings ol Washington, vol. 2, p.'JT, in note. f 11)., p. 61, in note. the trees and high grass on the side of rising ground near the fort. They were received with intrepidity by the Americans. The rain fell heavily during the day, and the trenches were filled with water. The engagement lasted until eight o'clock in the evening, when the French commander having twice sounded a parley, it was accepted, and about midnight, during a heavy rain, the fort was surrendered. By the articles of capitulation it was stipulated that Washington's troops, retaining their arms (artillery excepted) and baggage, should march out of the fort on the following morning, with drums beating and colors flying, and return home unmolested. The articles of surrender according to the French copy, implied an acknowledgment on the part of Washington, that M. de Ju- monville had been assassinated. It was, however, alleged by Washington, that he had been misled by the inaccuracy of Vanbraam, the interpreter, a Dutchman. * It was so stormy at the time, that he could not give a written translation of the articles, and they could scarcely keep a candle lighted to read them by, so that it became necessary to rely upon the interpreter's word. The officers present averred that the word assassination was not mentioned and that the terms em- ployed were " the death of Jumo?7vi/?c," Of the Virginia regiment, three hundred and live in number, twelve were killed and forty-three wounded. The loss of Capt. Mackay's in- dependent company was not ascertained. The Indians were with difficulty restrained from plundering the baggage. All the hor- ses and cattle having been destroyed by the French, it became necessary to leave a large part of the baggage and to convey the remainder, with the wounded, on the backs of the soldiers. Thus they returned to Will's Creek, whence Colonel Washing- ton proceeded to Williamsburg. The assem- bly voted him thanks and gave him three hundred | >, to be distributed among his men. But a good ileal of dissatisfaction was expressed at some of the articles ol' the ca- pitulation when they were made public, f The Virginia regiment, quartered at Win- * He and Capt. Stobo were retained by de Villiers as hostages. They were sent to Quebi c, and thence to Eng- land, and appear not to have returned to \ irginia. 1\1. de Villiers was brother to de Jumonville. .See 2 WasUi ton's Writings, pp. 460, -105, 408. t 2 Writings of Washington, pp. 456-459. 1752-55.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 121 Chester, was re-in forced by some companies from Maryland and North Carolina. Din- widdie injudiciously ordered this force to march at once again over the Alleghanies and expel the French from Fort Du Quesne, or build another near it. This little army, now under command of Col. Innes of North Carolina, did not exceed half the number of the enemy, and was unprovided for a winter campaign. But the assembly making no ap- propriation for the expedition, it was for- tunately abandoned. Dinwiddie censured the assembly's " republican way of thinking," and wrote to the ministry that " the progress of the French would never be effectually op- posed but by means of an act of parliament, compelling the colonies to contribute to the common cause, independently of assem- blies." This scheme had been broached a long time before. During the winter, Din- widdie, under pretence of peremptory orders from England, dissolved the Virginia regi- ment into independent companies. The ef- fect of this upon Washington, would have been to reduce him to the grade of Captain, and to subject him to officers whom he had commanded. He therefore resigned and passed the winter at Mt. Vernon. He was now aged 22. In a letter to Col. William Fitzhugh, dated November 15th, 1751, lie said : — " if you think me capable of holding a commission, that has neither rank nor emolument annexed to it, you must enter- tain a very contemptible opinion of my weak- ness, and believe me to be more empty than the commission itself."* [February 20th, 1755.] Genera! Braddock arrived in Virginia with two British regiments, each consisting of five hundred men — the 44th and 48th, commanded the one by Sir Peter Halket, the other by Colonel Dunbar. At Braddock's invitation, Washington enter- ed Ins family as a volunteer, retaining his former rank. The General's head-quarters were at first at Alexandria,! and his troops were stationed in thai place and m the neigh- borhood, until they ma re 1km I for Will's Geek. [April 13th.] The governors of Massachu- setts, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, met General Braddock at Alexan- * 2. Writings of Washington, p. 07, in note. t Then sometimes called Belhaven. the original naine of that town. dria, to concert a plan of operations. Col. Washington was courteously received by the governors, especially by Shirley, with whose manners and character he was quite fascina- ted. Overtaking Braddock at Fredericktown, Maryland, Washington accompanied him to Winchester and thence to Fort Cumberland, on Will's Creek. Early in Ma} , "Washington was made an aid-de-camp to the General. The army now consisted of the two regiments of British regulars, numbering 1,000, and as many provincials, including the fragments of two independent companies from New York, one of which was commanded by Captain Horatio Gates, afterwards a major-general in the Revolutionary War. There were also thirty sailorsdetachedby admiral Keppel, who commanded the squadron that brought over the two regiments. The army was detained by the difficulty of procuring provisions and conveyances. The apathy of the colonial legislatures, and the bad faith of the con- tractors, so irritated Braddock, that he indul- ged in vehement denunciations against the colonies. These led to frequent disputes be- tween him and Washington, who however found the General deaf to his arguments on that subject. The plan of employing pack- horses for transportation, instead of wagons, suggested by Washington, was, after some delay, in some measure adopted. Benjamin Franklin, deputy postmaster general of the colonies, visited Braddock at this time for the purpose (or as some allege under the pre- text) of facilitating the transmission of a mail to and from the army. Learning the Gene- ral's embarrassment, he undertook to procure the requisite number of horses and wagons from the Pennsylvania fanners and sent them in a short time to Will's Creek. * Thus Franklin and Washington were unconscious- ly co-operating with a British General in a movement destined in its consequences to dismember the empire. The army with its baggage, extending four miles in length, moved from Will's Creek, [June 12th.] Within two days Washington was seized with a fever and obliged to travel in a cover- ed wagon. Braddock, however, continued to consult him, and he advised the general to leave his heavy artillery and baggage with a * Gordon's History of Pennsylvania. It was a longtime before Franklin recovered compensation for the fanners for tins service. Shirley at length paid tiie amount, £20,000. 16 122 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXX. rear division and press forward with expedi-. tion to Fort DuQuesne. In a council of war it was determined that Braddock should advance with twelve hundred select men, and Co]. Dunbar remain with a rear-guard of about six hundred. * The advance corps pro- ceeded only nineteen miles in four days. Washington was now compelled to stop (by the general's order) his physician declaring that his life would be jeoparded by a con- tinuance with the army, and Braddock pro- mising that he should be brought up with the army, before it reached Fort DuQuesne. On the day before the battle of the Monon- gahela, Washington in a wagon rejoined the army at the mouth of the Youghiogany river and fifteen miles from Fort Du Quesne. On the morning of the 9th of July, 1155, Braddock's troops, in the highest spirits, con- fident of entering the gates of Fort DuQuesne triumphantly in a icw hours, crossed the Mo- nongahela, and advanced along the South- ern margin of it. Washington in after life was heard to declare it the most beautiful spectacle that he had ever witnessed, — the brilliant uniform of the soldiers, arranged in columns and marching in exact order; the sun gleaming on their burnished arms; the Monongahela (lowing tranquilly by on the one hand; on the other the primeval forest projecting its shadows in sombre magnifi- cence.! At one o'clock the army had cross- ed the river at a point ten miles from Fort DuQuesne. From the river a level plain extended Northward nearly half a mile ; thence the ground gradually ascending ter- minated in hills. The road from the fording- place to the Fort, led across this plain, up this ascent and through an uneven country, covered with woods. | Beyond the plain, on both sides of the road, were ravines. Three hundred men under Lieut. Colonel Gage, ^ made the advanced party and it was imme- diately followed by another of two hundred. Next came Braddock with the artillery, the mam body and the baggage. Brigadier Gen- eral Sir Peter Halket was second in com- mand. No sooner had the army crossed the * 2 Washington's Writings, p. 82. A number of the men were disabled by sickness. t 2 Washington's Writing*, p. 468-470. J See plan of the ground in 2 Washington's Writings, P- "0. his statement, therefore, does not appear entitled to cre< Subsequently commander of British troop* at Boston. See Howe's Hist. Coll. ol Va., p. 97. river, than a sharp firing was heard upon the advanced parties, who were now ascending the hill about a hundred yards beyond the termination of the plain. A heavy discharge of musquetry was poured in upon the front and right flank ; yet no enemy was visible, and their position was only discovered by the smoke of their muskets. A random and ineffective fire was returned. Braddock has- tened forward ; but the van already over- whelmed with consternation by the savage war-whoop, fell back upon the main body, communicating a panic from which the troops could not be recovered. Braddock and his officers made every effort to rally them, in vain. In this confusion they remain- ed for three hours, huddled together, doing the enemy little injury and shooting one another. The Virginians* alone retained their presence of mind and behaved with the utmost bravery. They adopted the Indian mode of combat and fought each man for himself from behind a tree. This was done in spite of the orders of Braddock, who still endeavored to form his men into platoons and columns, as if they had been manoeuvring in the plains of Flanders, or parading in Hyde Park. The French and Indians, en- tirely concealed in deep ravines and behind trees and high grass, kept up a deadly tire, singling out their objects. Colonel Wash- ington, shortly after the commencement of the engagement, was the only aid not wound- ed. Although still feeble from the effects of his illness, on him now devolved the whole duty of carrying the General's orders, and he rode a conspicuous mark in every direction. Two horses were killed under him : four bul- lets penetrated his coat. But he escaped un- hurt, while every other officer on horseback was either killed or wounded. Dr. Craik afterwards said, " I expected every moment to see him fall. His duty and situation ex- posed him to every danger. Nothing but the superintending care of Providence could have saved him from the fate of all around him." After an action of three hours, Brad- dock, under whom three horses had been Killed, received a mortal wound,! and his * They were clothed in blue. Weems' Life of Well- ington. f A provincial soldier. Tom FaUSPtf., afterwards pro- (esse.l, 01 confessed, that he had killed General Braddock. Bui Fausetl was .1 half-savane and habitually P- 1752-55.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 123 troops now lied in great disorder and could not be rallied until they had crossed the Mo- nongahela. The wounded General, by the care of Colonel Stewart, of the Virginia troops, and his servant, was brought off from the field at first on a small tumbril cart, then on a horse, finally by the soldiers. He ex- pired on the fourth day after the defeat and was buried in the road, near Fort Necessity, Washington reading the funeral service on the occasion. More than half of the army were killed or wounded ; two-thirds of them by their own bullets, according to Washing- ton's conjecture. Sir Peter Halket was killed on the field. Secretary Shirley was shot through the head. Colonels Burton, Gage and Orme, Major Sparks, brigade Major Hal- ket, Captain Morris, &,c, were wounded. There were ten Captains killed and live wounded, fifteen lieutenants killed and twen- ty-two wounded. Out of eighty-six offi- cers, twenty-six were killed and thirty-seven wounded. The whole number of killed was estimated at three hundred, or more, and as many wounded were brought off. The ag- gregate of killed and wounded was 1]{. The enemy's force, variously estimated, did not exceed 850 men, of whom 600, it was conjectured, were Indians. The number of the French loss, according to an imperfect return was killed 33, including three officers, one of whom wasBeaujeu, chief in command: wounded 34, including four officers. The French and Indians being covered by ra- vines, the balls of the English passed harm- less over their heads. A charge with the bay- onet would have at once driven them from their lurking places and put them to flight, or at least dispersed them in the woods. The remains of the defeated detachment retreated to the rear division in precipitate disorder, leaving the road behind them strew- ed with trophies of the disaster. Shortly alter, Col. Dunbar marched with the remain- ing regulars to Philadelphia. Col. Washing- ton returned home disappointed, mortifh I. indignant at the conduct of the re troops, In a letter to Governor Dinwiddie, giving an account of it, he said : ■■They were struck with such an inconceivable panic, that nothing but confusion and disobedienct of orders prevailed among them. The offi- cers in genera] behaved with incomparable bravery, for which they greatly suffered, there being upwards of sixty killed and wounded, a large proportion out of what we had. The Virginia companies behaved like men and died like soldiers, for 1 believe out of three companies on the ground that day, scarcely thirty men were left alive. Captain Peyrou- nv : and all his officers down to a corporal were killed. Captain Poulson had almost as hard'a fate, for only one of his escaped. In short the dastardly behavior of the regu- lar troops (so called) exposed those who were inclined to do their duty, to almost cer- tain death, and at length in spite of every effort to the contrary, they broke and ran as sheep before hounds, leaving the artillery, ammunition, provisions, baggage, and in short every thing, a prey to the enemy, and when we endeavored to rally them, in hopes of regaining the ground and what we had left upon it, it was with as little success as if we had attempted to have stopped the wild bears of the mountains or the rivulets with our feet, for they would break by in spite of every effort to prevent it." t Braddock was a man of bravery, but net of genius which knows how to bend to circumstances. Pas- sionate, headstrong, irritated, not without some just grounds, against the provinces, he rejected the proffer of 'Wellington to lead the provincials, who were accustomed to border warfare, in advance. But. he atoned for these errors by his death, t Washington retired to .Mount Vernon. His reputation was greatly elevated by his gallant- ry at the battle of the Monongahela. The el- oquent Da vies in a note to a patriotic discourse delivered [August 17th, 1755,] before Capt. Overton's company of Independent volun- teers, raised in Hanover county, said : " As a remarkable instance of this, 1 may point oe.t to the public that heroic youth. Colonel Washington, whom I cannot hut hope Prov- idence has hitherto preserved in >o signal a manner for some important service to his country." § During the French and Indian wars, Da- vies often employed his eloquence in anima- ting the patriotism of the colony. After Braddock's defeat, such was the general con- " \ Frem hman, by hirth. t Washington's Writings, p. S 'T. ', Clial rs, true to his unvarying prejudice against the ilonics, jusi iI'h's Braddock's conduct. i) Davies' Sermons, (Ed. New York, L828,) vol 3, p 33. 124 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXXI. sternation, that many seemed ready to de- sert the country. On this occasion Davies delivered a discourse, in which he declared, " Christians should be patriots. What is that religion good for, that leaves men cowards upon the appearance of danger? And per- mit me to say, that I am particularly solici- tous, that you my brethren of the dissenters should act with honor and spirit in this junc- ture, as it becomes loyal subjects, lovers of your country and courageous Christians. That is a mean, sordid, cowardly soul, that would abandon his country and shift for his own little self, when there is any probability of defending it. To give the greater weight to what I say, I may take the liberty to tell you, I have as little personal interest, as lit- tle to lose in this colony, as most of you. If I consulted either my safety or my temporal interest, I should soon remove with my fam- ily to Great Britain, or the Northern colo- nies, where I have had very inviting offers. Nature has not formed me for a military life, nor furnished me with any great degree of fortitude and courage; yet I must declare that after the most calm and impartial delib- eration, I am determined not to leave my country, while there is any prospect of de- fending it." * Dejection and alarm vanished under his eloquence and at the conclusion every man seemed prepared to say : " Let us march against the enemy !" Captain Meredith's company was now made up in a few min- utes. Davies retiring from the muster ground was followed by the whole regiment, who pressed around him, to catch every word that tell from his lips. He again addressed them until exhausted by speaking. It is probable that Patrick Henry caught the spark of eloquence from Davies. At the age of fourteen Henry accompanied his mother, to hear Davies, at the Fork Church in Hano- ver and there can be no doubt but that he often heard him in after years. Henry al- ways remarked, that Mr. Davies was " the * Davies' Sermons, vol. 3, p. 169. Sen.ion (on thede- feat of General Braddoc.k going to Fori DuQuesne,) de- livered in Hanover, July 20lh, 1755. Memoir of Davies. Evan, and Lit. Mag., v.. I. 2. I will line correct an error. On a preceding page it is stated thai Davies after the de- livery of an argument liefore the General Court, was treat- ed with great civility by Dr. [James] Blair and Sir Wil- I win Gooch. Dr. Blair was noi at this time living. It was James lilair, nephew of the Doctor, and a member ol the General Court, who .showed attentions to Davies. greatest orator he had ever heard." * Pres- byterianism steadily increased in Virginia under the auspices of Davies and his suc- cessors, particularly Graham, Smith, Wad- del t and Brown, and at the revolutionary era it had become an important element of social organization of the colony, t CHAPTER XXXI. 1755—1763. Washington; Sufferings of the frontier; Fort Loudoun ; Conference of Governors ; Dinwiddie succeeded by Blair ; Miscellaneous affairs ; Fauquier Governor; Forbes' ex- pedition against. Foil DuQuesne; Washington member of Assembly; His Marriage; "The Parson's cause;" Patrick Henry. [April 1755.] The frontier suffered another savage irruption. Washington beheld with emotion calamities which he could not avert. He was at every step thwarted in his exer- tions by a general perverseness and insubor- dination, aggravated by the hardships of the service and the want of system. At length, by persevering solicitations, he prevailed on the assembly to adopt more energetic mili- tary regulations. The discipline then intro- duced was what, at the present day, would be reckoned extremely rigorous. Severe flogging was in ordinary use. The penalty for fighting was five hundred lashes, for drunkenness one hundred. A Capt. Dagworthy, at Fort Cum- berland, commissioned by Governor Sharpe of Maryland, refusing to obey Washington's orders, the dispute was referred to General Shirley, commander-in-chief of his majesty's armies in America, who was then at Boston. Colonel Washington, accompanied by his aid- de-camp Colonel George Mercer, left Alex- andria, [February 4th, l?5b',J and on his route passed through Philadelphia, New York, New London, Newport and Providence. He \isited the Governors of Pennsylvania and New York and spent several days in each of the principal cities. lie was well received by General Shirley, with whom he continued ten days, mixing with the society of Boston, attending the sessions of the legislature, and visiting Castle William. During the tour he * Memoir of Rev James Waddel, by his grandson, Rev. Dr. .lames VV. Alexander. t The original ol tin; Blind Preacher ol Wirt's British SpJ • I Memoir ul Samuel I'avies, in Evan, and Lil. Mag., vol. 2. 1755-63. HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 125 everywhere was looked upon with interest as the hero of Monongahela. Gen. Shirley de- cided the contested point in liis favor, and lie returned to Virginia after an absence of seven weeks. The Virginia regiment was now aug- mented to fifteen hundred men. Peyton Ran- dolph, the attorney general, raised a volunteer company of one hundred gentlemen, who, however, proved quite unlit forthe frontier ser- vice. The distress of the border country in- creased. Winchester was almost the only set- tlement west of the Blue Ridge, on the north- ern frontier, that was not deserted. About the end of April a party of French and In- dians returned to FortDuQuesne, laden with plunder, prisoners and scalps. Fort Lou- doun was now commenced at Winchester under the superintendence of Washington. It stood at the northern extremity of Lou- doun street, covering an area of about half an acre. A well was sunk chiefly through a bed of limestone. The batteries mounted twenty- four guns. Vestiges of this work still remain. Fort Cumberland was also built 11755] in the fork between Will's Creek and the North Branch of the Potomac, on the Maryland side, about fifty-five miles north-west of Win- chester. A town has since arisen on the spot.* [August 1715.] The Assembly of Vir- ginia offered a reward of <£10 for the scalp of every male Indian above twelve years of age. It is remarkable, that as late as the year 1756 the Blue Ridge of mountains was the boun- dary of Virginia and great difficulty was found in completing a single regiment to protect the inhabitants of the border coun- try from the cruel irruptions of the Indians. Yet at this time the population of the colony was estimated at 293,000 of whom 173,000 were white and 120,000 black, and the mili- tia Mere computed at 35,000 men lit to bear arms, t A long interval of peaceful pros- perity had enervated the planters of lowland Virginia; luxury had introduced effeminate manners and dissolute habits. "To cat and drink, delicately and freely; to feast, and dance, and riot; to pamper cocks and horses ; to observe the anxious, important, interesting, • Kercheval's Historj of the Valley, pp. 90 31. " + 2 Sparks' Writings ol A'a ;t p. 154 in note. Din widdie wrote to Fox, (father ol Charles James,) one ol the Secretaries of State. "We dare not venture to part v\nh any of our w. 1 1 1 1 o men any distance as v\c must have a watchful eye over our negro slaves who are upwards ol ono hundred thousand.'' event — which of two horses can run fastest ; or which of two cocks can flutter and spur most dexterously; these are the grand af- fairs that almost engross the attention of some of our great men. And little low-lived sinners imitate them to the utmost of their power. The low-born sinner can leave a needy family to starve at home and add one to the rabble at a horse-race or a cock-fight. He can get drunk and turn himself into a beast with the lowest as well as his betters with more delicate liquors.'' Burk, the his- torian of Virginia, who was far from being a rigid censor, noticing the manners of the Virginians during the hall' century preceding the revolution, says: "The character of the people for hospitality and expense was now decided and the wealth of the land-proprie- tors, particularly on the banks of the rivers, enabled them to indulge their passions even to profusion and excess. Drinking parties were then fashionable in which the strong- est head or stomach gained the victory. The moments that could be spared from the bottle were devoted to cards. Cock-light- ing was also fashionable." t Governor Dinwiddie's zeal in military af- fairs outstripped his knowledge, and Wash- ington was distracted by inconsistent, ill- judo-ed and impracticable orders and harass- ed by petulant complaints. It was indeed believed that if he could have withstood the strong interest arrayed in favor of Washing- ton, the Governor would have rather given the command to Col. Lines, although far less competent and tin inhabitant of another colony, North Carolina. Dinwiddie's parti- ality to Lines was attributed to national pre- judice, for they were both natives of Scot- land, t The entire tenor of tin- Governor's correspondence with Washington, was un- gracious, peremptory, querulous, and it was not seldom openly offensive. Such treatment, from a British governor, together with the invidious distinctions drawn between colo- nial and British officers, naturally tended to abate Washington's loyalty and to lit him for * I ) i\ ies' Sei limns, vol. '!, p. 100. f [iurk's Hist, ol V.i., vol. a, p. 402. On the ssi he says : " I find in 17 f! k main ol cocks advertised to be elwuen Gloucester and James river. The cocks dde were called Bacon's Thunderbolts aim I , I, rated n lip] ol 16" ; Sp:uks' Writings of Washington, vol. 2, p note. 12G HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXXI. ' the great part that he was destined to per- forin in the war of independence. Lord Loudoun, the newly appointed gov- ernor of Virginia and commander-in-chief in the colonies, now arrived in America * and called a conference of Governors and military officers to meet him at Philadelphia. Washington by the ungracious and reluc- tant leave of Dinwiddie attended this con- ference. He had previously transmitted to the feeble and incompetent Loudoun an elpborate statement of the posture of af- fairs in Virginia, t exhibiting the insufficien- cy of the militia and the necessity of an offensive system of operations. Loudoun, however, determined to direct his main el- forts against Canada and to leave only twelve hundred men in the Middle and Southern provinces. Instead of receiving aid, Vir- ginia was required to send lour hundred men to South Carolina. The Virginia regiment was now reduced to a thousand men. Col. Washington, however, insisted that a favor- able conjuncture was now presented for capturing Fort DuQuesne, since the French attacked in Canada would be unable to re- inforce that post. But his advice, although approved by Dinwiddie, was unheeded. The campaign of the North proved inglorious ; that of the South ineffectual. Washington was confined by ill health at Mount Vernon for several months. [January, 17:58.] Rob- ert Dinwiddie, after an administration of live years, ceasing to be Governor, sailed for England, not much regretted by the Virgin- ians. A scholar, wit, and amiable compan- ion, in private life he commanded esteem. He was, however, unequal to the trying po- sition in which he found himself at the head of affairs in Virginia. In pecuniary matters his integrity was not unsuspected. With the temper so often displayed by the govern- ors of the ancient Dominion, nor the less by him because he was a parvenu, he was ser- vile to those above him, to those below haugh- ty and overbearing. Ilis place was filled for a short time by John Blair, president of the council.! Samuel Davies, by invitation, preached to the militia of Hanover county * Marshal, (Life ..I' Washington, vol. 1, p. 17,)sayslhal Loudoun came to Virginia. Sparks, (Life of Washington, p., ss ) says thai he did not. f Sparks' Writings ol Washington, vol. 2, pp. 217-230. t 2 Sparks' Writings of Washington, pp. 270-271, in note. in Virginia, at a general muster, [May 8th, 1758,] with a view to raise a company for Capt. Samuel Meredith. In this discourse Davies said, " Need I inform you what bar- barities and depredations a mongrel race of Indian savages and French papists have per- petrated upon our frontiers? How many deserted or demolished houses and planta- tions ? How wide an extent of country abandoned ? How many poor families obli- ged to fly in consternation and leave their all behind them ? What breaches and separa- tions between the nearest relations ? What painful ruptures of heart from heart? What shocking dispersions of those once united by the strongest and most endearing ties ? Some lie dead, mangled with savage wounds, consumed to ashes wish outrageous flames, or torn and devoured by the beasts of the wilderness, while their bones lie whitening in the sun and serve as tragical memorials of the fatal spot where they fell. Others have been dragged away captives and made the slaves of imperious and cruel savages: others have made their escape and live to lament their butchered or captivated friends and relations. In short, our frontiers have been drenched with the blood of our fellow-subjects through the length of a thousand miles ; and new wounds are still opening. We in these in- land parts of the country, are as yet unmo- lested through the unmerited mercy of Heav- en. But let us only glance a thought to the Western extremities of our body politic, and what melancholy scenes open to our view ! Now perhaps while I am speaking, now while you are secure and unmolested, our fellow-subjects there may be feeling the ca- lamities [ am describing. Now perhaps the savage shouts and whoops of Indians and the screams and groans of some butchered family may be mingling their horrors and circulating their tremendous echoes through the wilderness id' rocks and mountains.'' The earl of Loudoun had been commis- sioned to fill Dinwiddie's place, but his mili- tary avocations prevented him from entering on the duties of the gubernatorial office. The elder Pitt, now minister, had resolved * Davies' Sermons, vol. :?, p. 08. Does not this closing sentence resemble somewhat the following from Fisher Ames' speech <>n the Western posts? " I can fancy that I listen lo i in' yells of savage vengeance and the shrieks of torture. Already they seem t" sigh in the Western wind, aiieady they mingle with every echo liom the mountains." 1755-63.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 127 on a vigorous prosecution of the war in America. The department of the Middle and Southern colonies was entrusted to Gen- eral Forbes and he was ordered to under- take an expedition against Fort DuQuesne. Washington rejoined the army. Forbes hav- ing deterred the campaign too late, l he French and Indians renewed their merciless warfare. In the county of Augusta sixty persons were murdered. The Virginia troops were augmented to two thousand men, di- vided into two regiments, — one under Wash- ington, who was still commander-in-chief; the other the new regiment under Col. Wm. By id. * Francis Fauquier, appointed governor, now reached Virginia. [June 24th 1758,] the Virginia troops left Winchester and early in July halted at fort Cumberland, t At Colonel Washington's suggestion, the light Indian dress, hunting shirt and blanket, was adopted by the army. Contrary to his ad- vice, Forbes instead of marching immediately upon the Ohio by Braddock's road, under- took to construct another from Raystown in Pennsylvania. The General, it was suppo- sed, was influenced by the Pennsylvanians to open for them a more direct avenue of intercourse with the West.]: The new road caused great delay. Major Grant had been detached from the advanced post at the Loyal Hanna, with eight hundred men to re- connoitre the country about Fort DuQuesne. An action occurred ; the detachment was de- feated ; Grant and Major Lewis were made prisoners. Of the eight Virginia officers pres- ent five were slain, a sixth wounded, and a seventh captured. Captain Bullit and fifty Virginians defended the baggage with great resolution and contributed to save the remnant of the detachment. He was the only officer who escaped unhurt. Of one hundred and sixty-two Virginians, sixty-two * Of Wrstnvpr, on the James river. The total strength ol Col. Byrd's regiment at Fort Cumberland Augt. 3d, 1758 was 359. The officers were Lieut. Col. George Mercer, Major Wm. Peachy, Captains S. Munford, Thomas ( locki , Hancock Eustace, John Field, John Posey, Thomas Fleming, John Roote ami Samuel Meredith. Blund pa pers, vol. 1, p. 150. j See in Bland papers, vol. 1, pp. 9-10, Roliert Mun- ford's letter dated .,t the Camp near Fori Cumberland, July 6th, 1758. This Robert Munford was father of the trans lator of Horner, and grandfather to George W, Munford, Esq., Clerk of the Assembly of Virginia. J. Bland Paieis, vol, 1, p. 13. were killed and two wounded. Grant's total loss was two hundred and seventy three killed and forty-two wounded. When the main army was set in motion, Col. Wash- ington requested to be put in advance. Forbes profiting by the fatal error of Brad- dock, complied with this request. Wash- ington was called to head-quarters, attended the councils of war and at the General's de- sire drew up a line ol" march and order of battle. * The main body left Raystown, [8th of October, 1758,] and reached the camp at Loyal Hanna early in November. The troops were worn out with fatigue and exposure ; winter had set in and more than fifty miles of rugged country yet intervened between them and Fort DuQuesne. A council of war declared it unadvisable to proceed fur- ther in that campaign. Just at this conjunc- ture, however, three prisoners were brought in, and they gave such a report of the feeble state of the garrison at the Fort, that it w.as determined to push forward at once. Wash- ington with his provincials opened the way. The French reduced to five hundred men and deserted by the Indians, set fire to the Fort and retired down the Ohio. Forbes took possession of the post on the next day, [25th of November, 1758.] The works Mere repaired and it was now named Fort Pitt. An important city called after the same illus- trious statesman has been reared near the spot. Forbes, whose health had been de- clining during the campaign, died shortly af- terwards at Philadelphia. He was a native of Scotland and educated as a physician; an estimable and brave man of fine military talents. Washington after furnishing two hundred men from his regiment, as a garrison for Fort Pitt, then considered as within the jurisdic- tion of Virginia, marched back lo Winches- ter. Thence he proceeded to Wiliiamsburo- to take his seat in the assembly, havino- been elected by the county of Frederick. He re- signed his military commission in December + These may I" 1 seen in Sparks' Writings of Washing- ton, vol •_'. pp. 31:!. 315 Forbes' army consisted of 1,200 Highlanders, 350 Royal Americans, 2,700 provincials from Pennsylvania, 1,600 from Virginia, two or three hundred from Maryland, and 2 companies from North Carolina, makm* in all, including the wagoners, between six and seven thou- sand men Sparks' Writings of Washington, vol. 2, p. 289 in note. This army was five months in reaching the Ohio and found at length no enemy. 128 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXXI. having been engaged in service for more than five years. His health had been impaired and domestic affairs required his attention. [6th of January, 1759,] be was married to Martha, widow of John Parke Custis and daughter of John Dandridge. In her were [ united wealth, beauty and an amiable tem- per. During this session of the assembly, an incident occurred, which has been thus described by Wirt : <; By a vote of the house, the speaker, Mr. John Robinson, was direc- ted to return their thanks to Colonel Wash- ington, on behalf of the colony, for the dis- tinguished military services which he had rendered to his country. As soon as Col. Washington took his seat, Mr. Robinson, in obedience to this order and following the im- pulse of Ins own generous and grateful heart, discharged the duty with great dignity, but with such warmth of coloring and strength of expression, as entirely confounded the young hero. He rose to express his acknow- ledgments for the honor, but such was his trepidation and confusion, that he could not give distinct utterance to a single syllable. He blushed, stammered and trembled for a second, when the speaker relieved him by a stroke of address, that would have done honor to Louis XI V. in his proudest and happiest moment, ' Sit down, Mr. Washington, your modesty equals your valor, and that surpasses the power of any language that I possess.' "* Washington retired to Mount Vernon, con- tinuing however to be a member of the house of burgesses for many years. [1763.] There occurred in Virginia a re- markable suit at law, known as "the Parson's cause," and in it the genius of Patrick Henry first shone forth. Tin emoluments of the clergy of the established church in Virginia for a long time had consisted of 16,000 pounds of tobacco, contributed In' each par- ish. In 1755, the tobacco crop failing, in consequence of a drought ami the exigen- cies of the colony being greatly augmented by the French war, the assembly passed an act to endure for ten months, authorizing all debts due in tobacco to he paid either in kind or in money, at the rate of sixteen shillings and eighl pence for every hundred pounds of tobacco, t The law was universal in it., ap- * W'nt's Life of Patrick Henry. t Tins was equivalent to two pence per pound, ami hence the act was styled by the clergy "the Two Penny plication, — embracing private debts, public county and parish levies and fees of all civil officers. Its effect upon the clergy was to reduce their salary to a moderate amount in money — far less than the sixteen thousand pounds of tobacco, which they were entitled to, were then worth, yet still as much as they had usually received. The act did not con- tain the usual clause by which acts were sus pended until they should receive the royal assent, since it might require the entire ten months, the term of its operation, to learn the determination of the crown. No resistance was offered by the clergy to this act. How- ever in this year the greater number of them petitioned the house of burgesses to grant them a more liberal provision for their main- tenance. Their petition set forth — " That the salary appointed by law for the clergy, is so scanty, that it is with difficulty they sup- port themselves and families, and can by no means make any provision for their widows and children, who are generally left to the charity of their friends; that the small en- couragement given to clergymen, is a reason why i-o lew come into this colony from the two universities ; and that so many who are a disgrace to the ministry find opportunities to fill the parishes; that the raising the salary would prove of great service to the colony, as a decent subsistence would be a great en- couragement to the youth to take orders; for want of which, few gentlemen have hitherto thought it worth their while to bring up their children in the study of divinity; that they Act." As the price of tobacco now rose to six pence per pound, the redtu lion amounted to sixty-six am! two-thirds per cent. At two pence, the salary o! the clergy was about £133; at six pence, about £400. Yet the art must have operated in reliel ol die indebted clergy, equally with other debtors. The preceding part of tins note was written some years ago. While preparing the MS. ol this sheel In,- the | n ss, I have received a copy of Col. Richard Bland's " Letter to Lhi ' ill rgy of Virginia." Foi the use "i this rare pamph- let, 1 am indebted to Dr. Thomas 1' Atkinson, a <]' sci nd- ant of the author of it. It is dated March 20, 17(10, at.Jor- dans, in Prince George, of which county ('ol. Bland v\a.s then a Burgess. The following is extracted from p. 17 oi the Letter to Hi" Clergy ;—" They [the Legislature] did not attempt or even entertain a though! ol abrid maintenance of iht clergy; but allowed them a price for their salaries equal to Crop Tobacco at 18 shillings the hundred, winch made their salaries thai \ a sum, I will pronounce, largei than the clergj in general had k ceived in any one year from the first regulation of their salaries by a Law, and which (one would be willing to think) they above all men oughl to have hen contented with in a year of such general distress." 1755-63.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. I-2H generally spent many years of their lives at great expense in study, when their patrimony is pretty well exhausted ; and when in Holy Orders, they cannot follow any secular em- ployment for the advancement of their for- tunes and may on that account expect a more liberal provision." * Another relief act (similar to that of 1755) fixing the value of tobacco at eighteen shil- lings a hundred, was passed, [1758,] + upon a mere anticipation of another scanty crop.} It did however fall short and the price rose extremely high. A warm controversy now ensued between the planters and the clergy. Rev. John Canim, Rector of York Hampton Parish, assailed the " Two-Penny Act" in a pamphlet of that title, which was replied to severally by Col. Richard Bland and Col. Landon Carter. An acrimonious contro- versy took place in the Virginia Gazette. The cause of the clergy became at length so unpopular that a printer could not be found in Virginia willing to publish Camm's rejoinder to Bland and Carter, styled "The Colonels dismounted," and he was obli- ged to resort to Maryland for that purpose. The Colonels retorted and this angry dis- pute threw the colony into great excitement. At last the clergy appealed to the king in council. By an act of assembly, passed in 1662, a salary of £80 was settled upon every minis- ter, "to be paid in the valuable commodities of the country, if in tobacco, at 1'2 shillings the hundred, if in com, at ten shillings the barrel." [1696.] The salary of the clergy was fixed at 16,00Qlbs. of tobacco, worth at that lime about JUSO. This continued to be the amount of their stipends, until 1731, when the value of tobacco being raised, they increased to about £100, or £120. This was exclusive of their glebes and other perqui- * Col. Bland's Letter to the Clergy, p. 6. t Col. Bland in Letter to the Clergy, dates this act in 1757. li v\as passed m 1758, See 7 Hening, p 240. X Hening, vol. 0, p. 568, vol. 7, p. 240. Hawks, p. 1 18, say3, "Oh the contested point, [to wit, the vali lity of the act,] il will probably at this day he conceded, thai the ( ller- gy were in the right." Bnrk, vol. :;, p. 302, attributes the rise in the price ol tobacco, "to the .wis of an extra speculator of the name ol Dickenson." No authority is referred i i and the acl I inn elvi s expn ssl\ attribute the scarcit5 in 1755, to " drought," in 1757, to " unseasonable- ness of the weather." See also Everett's Life ol Henry, in Sparks' American Biography, (2nd scries,-) vol. I, pp. 2 10-234. sites. In Virginia, besides the salaries of the clergy, the people had to bear parochial, county and public levies, and fees of clerks, sheriffs, surveyors and other officers, all which were payable in tobacco. The consequence of this state of things, was, that a failure in that crop involved the people in general dis- tress. Were they to be exposed to cruel im- positions and exactions, to have their estates seized and sacrificed, " for not complying with laws which Providence had made it im- possible to comply with? Common sense, as well as common humanity, will tell you that they are not and that it is impassible any in- struction to a governor can be construed so contrary to the first principles of jus I ice and equity, as to prevent his assent to a law, for relieving a colony, in a case of such general distress and calamity." * The Bishop of Lon- don in his letter to the lords of trade and plantations, denounced the act of 1758 as binding the king's hands and manifestly len- ding to draw the people of the plantations from their allegiance to the king. But it was replied, if the Virginians could ever enter- tain the thought of withdrawing from their dependency on England, nothing could be more apt. to bring about such a result, than the denying them the right to protect them- selves from distress and calamity, in so trying an emergency. In the year when this relief act was passed, many thousands of the colo- nists did not make one pound of tobacco, and if all the tobacco raised in the colo- ny had been divided among the tithables, " they would not have had 200 lbs. a Man, to pay the Taxes for the support of the War, their Levies and other public iOues, and to provide a scanty subsistence for themselves and Families;"! and "the Gen- era/-Assembly were obliged to issue Mo- ney from the publick Funds, to keep the people from Starving." The Act had been denounced as treasonable; but were the Le- gislature to sit with folded arms, silent and inactive amid the miseries of the people ? '• This would have be* n Treason indeed — Treason against the State — against the clem- ency of the Royal Majesty :" Many land- lords and civil officers were members of the Assembly in 1758, their rents and fees were Bland's Letter to tin Ch ;v, up. 1 t 16. 11)1(1 p. 17. I" 130 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXXI. payable in tobacco, nevertheless they cheer- fully promoted the enactment of an Act by which they were to suffer great losses. The royal prerogative in the hands of a benign sovereign, could only be exerted for " the Good of his People and not for their De- struction." "When, therefore, the Governor and Council, (to whom this Power is in Part delegated,) find from the Uncertainty and Variableness of human Affairs, that any Ac- cident happens which general Instructions can by no Means provide for ; or which by a rigid construction of them, would destroy a People so far distant from the Royal Pres- ence, before they can apply to the Throne for Relief, it is their Duty as good Magis- trates, to exercise this power as the Exigen- cy of the State requires ; and though they should deviate from the Strict Letter of an Instruction, or perhaps m a Small Degree from the fixed Rule of the Constitution, yet such a Deviation cannot possibly be Treason when it is intended to produce the most salu- tary End the Preservation of the People." The safety of the People is the supreme law. * An English clergyman named Burnaby passed some months in Virginia about the time of this dispute, travelling through the colony and conversing freely with all ranks of peo- ple. He expresses himself on the subject in the following manner: "Upon the whole, however, as on the one hand I disapprove oi the proceedings of the assembly in this affair : so on the other I cannot approve of the steps which were taken by the clergy ; that vio- lence of temper, that disrespectful behavior towards the governor, that unworthy treat- ment of their commissary, and to mention nothing else, that confusion of proceeding in the convention of which some, though not the majority, as has been invidiously rep- resented, were guilty; — these things were surely unbecoming the -acred character they are invested with and the moderation of those persons who ought in all things to imitate the conduct of their divine master. If in- stead of Hying out in invectives against the legislature; of accusing the governor of hav- ing given up the cause of religion by pass- ing the bill ; when in fact had lie rejected it, he would never have been able to have got any supplies during the course of the » Ibid, p 13. war, though ever so much wanted ; if in- stead of charging the commissary, [Robin- son,] with want of zeal, for having exhorted them to moderate measures, they had fol- lowed the prudent counsels of that excellent man and had acted with more temper and moderation, they might, I am persuaded, in a very short time, have obtained any redress they could reasonably have desired. The people in general were extremely well af- fected towards the clergy." George III., in Council, denounced " the Two Penny act" as an usurpation and de- clared it null and void. The clergy now in- stituted suits in the several county courts, to retrieve the losses which they had suffered by the rescinded act. The county of Hano- ver was selected as the scene of the first trial ; for as all the causes stood on the same foot, a decision of one would determine all. This was brought by Rev. James Maury. [November, 1763,] the Court decided the points of law in favor of the clergyman, thus declaring that the Act in question had been annulled by the crown. Maury's success before a jury seemed now inevitable, since there could be no dispute relative to the facts of the case. Mr. John Lewis, who had de- fended the popular side, now retired from the cause as essentially settled and as being now merely a question of damages. The defendants, however, as a dernier resort, em- ployed Patrick Henry, Jr., to appear as their advocate at the next hearing. It was the first case in which he was employed. The suit came to trial again, [December, 1st, 1763,] before the county court. On an oc- casion of such universal interest, an extraor- dinary concourse of people assembled at Hanover Court House * — not only from that but also from the neighboring counties. The Court House and yard were thronged ; twen- ty clergymen sate on the bench to witness a contest in which they had so much at stake. The presiding magistrate was no Other than the father of young Henry. The case stood upon a writ of enquiry of damages and was opened for the plaintiff, by Peter Lyons. When Patrick Henry rose to reply, his com- mencement was awkward, unpromising, em- barrassed. In a few moments, however, he began to warm with his subject, and catch- Still standing, but ;w bat alteicd. 1755-63. HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 131 ing inspiration from the surrounding scene, his altitude grew more erect, his gesture holder, his eye kindled with the radiance of genius, his voice ceased to falter and the witchery of its music " made the blood run cold and the hair stand on end." The peo- ple, as if charmed by some enchanter's in- fluence, hung with rapture upon his accents; in every part of the house, on every bench, in every window, they stooped forward from their stands in breathless silence, astonished, delighted, rivetted upon the youthful orator, whose eloquence blended the beauty of the rainbow with the terror of the cataract. When he declared that " a king who annull- ed and disallowed laws of a salutary nature instead of being the father degenerated into the tyrant of his people," the opposing ad- vocate cried out, " He has spoken treason !" But the court was not of that opinion and Henry proceeded in his bold philippic. Amid the storm of his invective, the disappointed and indignant clergy, leeling that the day was lost, retired from the bench. Young Henry's father sate bedewed with tears of fond surprise. The jury quickly returned a verdict of one penny damages; the court carried away by the torrent of popular en- thusiasm, refused to grant a new trial ; ac- clamations resounded within the Court House and without, and in spite of eries of " or- der." Patrick Henry was unwillingly lifted up :\\id borne in triumph on the shoulders of his cxciicd admirers. He was now the man of the people. * In after years, aged men, who had been present at the trial of "the Parsons' cause," reckoned it the highest compliment that they could bestow upon a speaker, to say of him, 4i he is almost equal to Patrick when he plead against the Par- sons." The decision of the Parsons' cause was rather equitable than legal, rather just than strictly constitutional. The Act of 1758, though it may well have been held valid at firsl as grounded on necessity ami the law of nature, yet had been subsequently an- * Wirt's Life of Henry. From this work 1 have bor- rowed freely in this passage and in others. Notwithstand- ing the faults of an hyperbolical and i xuberant style, there is a charm in this biography, which stamps ii as one ol those works ol genius which "men will not willii die." See also Hawks, p. 121. Rev. Mr. Maury prepared a sketch of Henry's speech, which is still preserved, and will, it is said, be shortly publishi ii nulled by the king in Council, and the clergy could only be defeated in their claim by a sort of revolutionary recurrence to funda- mental principles, by an abnegation of the regal authority and an exertion of popular sovereignty. Henry's speech in the Parsons' cause and the decision of it, were indeed the commencement of the Revolution in Virginia. Hanover was the starting point. Patrick Henry, the second of nine chil- dren, was born [May 29th, 1736,] at Stud- ley, * in Hanover county, Virginia. His pa- rents were in moderate, but easy circum- stances. The father, John Henry, was a na- tive of Aberdeen in Scotland, a cousin of David Henry, (brother-in-law of Edward Cave and his successor as editor of the Gen- tlemen's Magazine,) and nephew, on the maternal side, of Dr. William Robertson, the historian. John Henry emigrated to Vir- ginia sometime before 1730. He enjoyed the friendship and patronage of Robert Din- widdle, afterwards Governor of Virginia, who introduced him to the acquaintance of Col John Syme, of Hanover, in whose fami- ly he became domesticated, and with whose widow t he afterwards intermarried. Her maiden name was Sarah Winston and she was of an old and respectable family. John Henry was Colonel of his regiment, county surveyor, and for many years presiding mag- istrate. He was a loyal subject and took pleasure in drinking the king's health at the head of his regiment. He enjoyed the ad- vantage of a liberal education; his under- standing was plain but solid. A zealous member of the established church, he was, * The dwelling is not extant. Some laurels have found an appropriate place near the site ol it. Antique hedges ol box, and an avenue of decrepid trees survive to whisper ol the past. Studley is surrounded by woo, Is, so tint Henry was actually, " 'I'h." forest-born Dem isthenes, Whose ihundi r shook the Philip of tin' si as." j Col. Byrd, (in Westovei MS , p. I li.) describes her as '-a portly handsome dame" " of a lively, cheerful con versation, with much less reserve than most of her ci mi try women. It becomes her very well ami sets off hi i rci le qualities to advantage." "The courteous widow invited me to rest myself there that good day and t" o to church with her, but I excused mysell l>\ telling her she would certainly spoil my devotion. Then she civilly en- treated me to make her house my home wh< ■• vi i I visited my plantations, [lie had five in that county,] which made me bow low and thank her veiv kindly." Cul. tij me left a son by her, who had "all 1 he strong features ol his sire not - i.. ,i d in the h asi bj any o( her* 132 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXXI. however, more familiar with Horace and Livy, than with works of piety and devo- tion. * Soon after his settlement in Virginia, Pat- rick, his brother, followed him and became after some interval of time, rector of St. Paul's church in Hanover, t William Win- ston, brother-in-law of John Henry, was sin- gularly gifted with the powers of eloquence. It may hence be inferred that Patrick Henry derived his genius from his mother, f John * In a memoir of Rev. James Waddel, (the Blind Preach- erol Wirt'.* British Spy,) by his grandson, Rev. Dr. Jas. W. Alexander, the following is found: "When he, [Dr. Waddel,] came into Virginia, a young man, he visited Mr. Samuel Da- vies and heard him preach in Hanover nearwhere Col. Henry lived, the father of Patrick Henry, to whom he was intro- duced on the Sabbath and with whom he went home. At parting Mr. Davies told him he would find that Virginians observed not the Sabbath as the Pennsylvanians, and that he would have to bear with many things he would wish otherwise. Accordingly, as he went home with Col. H., he found him much more conversant with Virgil and Horace than the Bible." j [1733.] Upon the recommendation of the Governor and the Commissary, 'he Rev. Patrick Henry became min- ister of St. George's Parish in the new county of Spotsyl- vania. [April, 1731.] He resigned this charge. Hist, of St George's Parish, pp. 17-19. + Mary Howitt has given an account of the village of Winston in England and of the old Hall there, now tenant- less, called " Winston-oud-ha," an antique biick structure, high, with numerous gables and well grouped massive chim- neys. Winston church is likewise styled the old church, although there is no new one in the village, Inthechurch- \ i ril are sculptured figures of Sir John Winston and his Lady Penelope, in full court dress of Queen Elizabeth's day, in kneeling attitude, with upturned eyes and holding prayer-hooks in their hands. The tomb was erected by their son, Sir Christopher Winston, the last of that branch of the family. His only daughter married Oliver Charte- rs Esq., and the estate slill continues in a branch of that family. Penelope was a family name among the Winston's oJ Virginia. Four Winstons, three brothers and a cousin, came over from Yorkshire, England, and settled in Hano- ver. Isaac, one of the four, (or son ol one of them,) had children. 1. William, father of Judge Edmund Winston :i. Sarah, mother of Patrick Henry, Jr., the orator. 3. Geddes, (pronounced Gaddice.) '1. Mary, who married John Coles. 5. A daughter who married Coir. She was a dniolhei to Airs. Madison, (the President's lady,) Dolly Payne thai was. Of these live children, William the eldest, (called Lan- galoo William,) married Alice Taylor of Caroline. He :real hunter ; hail a quarter in Bedford or Albemarle, where he spent sometimes half the year in hunting deer. He was fond ol the Indians, dressed in their costume, and was a favorite with them. According to tradition, howev- er, an amour with the daughter of an Indian chief and who was betrothed to anothei chief, involved him in difficulties with the savages. They besieged him in a log fort for a week, during which he defended himself with the aid ol three negroes armed with rifles. Al length the favorite squaw interposing between the belligerents like the Sabine Henry, in a few years after the birth of his son Patrick, removed from Studley to Mount Brilliant, now the Retreat, (in the same coun- ty,) and it was here that the future orator was principally educated. The father had opened a grammar-school in his own house and Patrick after learning the first rudiments at an " old field school" in the neighbor- hood, at ten years of age commenced his studies under his father, with whom he ac- quired an English education with some know- ledge of the mathematics and of Latin. His application to study does not appear to have been close. With a taste by no means un- common in his country and for which it is said his mother's family — the Winstons — were especially distinguished, he was fond of hunting and angling. When engaged in the latter amusement, he would lie lazily stretched " under the shade of some tree that overhung the sequestered stream, watch- ing for hours the motionless cork of his fish- insr line.'' He loved solitude and in hunt- women ol old, restored peace. Langaloo William Win- ston was distinguished as a great Indian fighter. The fol- lowing notice of him is taken from Wirt's Life of Patrick Henry, p. 12 : — " Mrs. Henry, the widow of Col. Syme, as we have seen and the mother of Patrick Henry, was n native of Hanover county and of the family of Winstons. She possessed in an eminent degree the mild and benevo- lent disposition, the undeviating probity, the correct un- derstanding and easy elocution, by which that ancient family has long been distinguished. Her brother William, the lather of the present Judge Winston, is said to have been highly endowed with that peculiar cast of eloquence for which Mr. Henry became afterwards so justly celebra- ted. Of this gentleman I have an anecdote from a corres- pondent, (Mr. Pope,) which I shall give in his own words : '• I have often heard my father, who was intimately ac- quainted with tins William Winston, say that he was the greatest orator whom he ever heard, Patrick Henry except- ed ; that during tin' last French and Indian war and soon after Braddoi k's defeat, win n the militia were matched to the frontiers ol Virginia against the enenvy, tins William Winston was the lieutenant of a company, that the men, w ho were indifferently clothed, without tents, and exposed to the rigor and inclemency ol the weather, discovered great aversion to the service and were anxious and even clamorous to return to then- families — when William Win- ston mounting a stump, (the common rostrum you know of the field orator of Virginia.) addressed them with such s ol invective and declaimed with such force of eloquenci liberty and patriotism, that when he conclu- ded, the general cry was, " Let us in arch on ; lead US against the enemy'" and they were now willing, nay anxious to encounter ali those difficulties ami dangi is which but a few moments before had almost produced a mutiny." The Children of this Langaloo William Winston were, 1, Eliza- beth, who man led Peter Fontaine; 2, Fanny, who married Dr. Walker; 3, Edmund, tin J idge, who married first Sa- rah, daughter of isaac Winston — second, the widow of Patrick Henry, Jr., the orator, (Dolly Dandridgethat was ) 1755-63.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 133 ing chose not to accompany the noisy set that drove the deer, but preferred to occupy the silent "stand," where for hours he might muse alone and indulge the " pleasing soli- tariness"' of thought. [1750.] When fourteen years old he ac- companied his mother in a carriage to hear Samuel Davies preach. His eloquence made a deep impression on young Henry, and throughout his litetime he always held him the greatest orator he had ever heard. At the age of fifteen he was placed in a store to learn the mercantile business and after a year so passed, the father set up Wil- liam, an elder brother, and Patrick in trade. Patrick in person was rather coarse, in man- ners awkward, in dress slovenly, in conver- sation plain, but good-humored and agreea- ble ; his aversion to study was invincible and his faculties were impeded by indolence, t The mercantile adventure, after the experi- ment of a year, proving a failure, William, who had even less energy than Patrick, re- tired from the concern and the chief man- agement was devolved upon the younger brother. Patrick, disgusted with an unprom- ising business, listened impatiently to the hunter's horn and the cry of hounds echo- ing in the neighboring woods. Excluded from these congenial sports, he sought a re- * Howe's Hist. Coll. of Va., p "It has been supposed, that he [Davies] first kindled the fiie and afforded the model of Henry's elocution, as he lived from his 11th to Ins 22d year in the neighborhood where the patriotic sermons of Mr. Davies were delivered, which produci d effects as those ascribed to the orations of Demosthenes." Ibid, p. 294. The following is taken from the memoir of the Rev. Dr. .lames Waddel, by his grandson, the Rev. Dr. James W. Alexander: "A gentleman intimately connected with Pat- rick Henry, informed me that tins great man was accus- tomed to speak in terms of unbounded admiration of Dr. Waddel's powers, pronouncing Davies and Waddel to be the greatest orators he hail ever heard. Ami i! may !»• ob- , that hi. ill Henry ami Waddel were in early life placed where they could catch the inspiration of Samuel Davies. 1 am indebti I to a gentli man "I \ irginia,as well qualified to authenticate such a fact as any man living, tli at when Hi nry was ^ lad, in- used to drive his mothei in a gij: to tin- places in Hanover where .Mr. Da an. I that, in alter iil spoke of the eloquence which he then heard and felt, as ■ led with Ins own wonderful success. In no one ol I ■ three, how ever, « as it I ' v hich i> ; by masters of elocution, or practised bi fore the mir- rors of colleges." + Grahame's Hist of the I . S. I am repeatedly indebt- ed to tins learned, candid aid elegant historian. Wirt's Life of Henry. Lifeof Henry, by Alexander 11 in Sparks' Ainer. Biog., (2nd series.) vol ]. pp. 21 source in music and learned to play not un- skilfully on the tlnir and the violin. He found another source of entertainment in the conversation of the country people who met at his store, particularly on Saturday. lie excited debates among them and watched the workings of their minds, and by stories, real or lid it ions, si tidied how to move the passions at his will. At the end of two or three years a too generous indulgence to his customers, and neglect of business, together perhaps with the insuperable difficulties of the enterprise itself, forced him to abandon his -tore, almost in a state of insolvency. In the meantime, however, at the age of eighteen he had married a Miss Shelton, the daughter of a poor but honest tanner in the neighborhood. Young Henry now by thejoinl assistance of his father and his father-in-law, furnished with a small farm and one or two slaves, undertook to support himself by ag- riculture. Yet although he tilled the ground with his own hands, whether owing to his negligent and unsystematic habits, or to the sterility of the soil, after an experiment of two years he failed in this enterprise as ut- terly as in the former. Selling his scanty property at a sacrifice for cash, he turned again to merchandize. Still displaying the same incorrigible indifference to business, he now resumed his violin, his flute, his books, his curious inspection of human na- ture, and occasionally shut up his store to indulge in his favorite sports. He now stu- died geography and became a proficient in it ; he examined the charters and history of the colony and pored over the translated annals of Greece and Rome. Livy became his fa- vorite, and in his early life he read it at least once in every year. : His second mercan- tile experiment turned out more unfortunate than the first and left him a bankrupt. Vet these disappointments, aggravated by an earl} marriage, did not visibly depress his spirit. In the winter of 17b'0, Thomas Jef- ferson then in his seventeenth year, on his way to the of William and Mary, spent the Christmas holydays al the seat of Col. Dandridge in Hanover. Patrick Henry, jr.. now 24 years of age, being a near neio-h- * I incline to suspect that 1ns alleged aversion to honks in after lifi has been i et ... d ii m compliance « nh the vula .hum 134 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXXII. bor, young Jefferson now met with him for the first time and observed that his manners had something of coarseness in them ; his passion was music, dancing and pleasantry. In the last he excelled and it attached every body to him. He displayed no uncommon calibre of intellect or extent of information; but his misfortunes were not to be traced in his countenance or in his conduct. Self- possessed repose is the characteristic of na- tive power. Consciousness of superior ge- nius and a reliance upon a benignant Provi- dence, buoyed him up in the fluctuations of an adverse fortune. Young Henry embraced the study of the law and after a short course of reading, was admitted to the bar in the spring of 1760. For three years he remained in obscurity. In the " Parsons' Cause" he first emerged from the horizon and thence- forth became star of the ascendant. CHAPTER XXXII. 1763 — 1774. Disputes between the Colonies and the Mother Country; The Siamp Act; Virginia opposes it; Henry's Reso- lutions; His Eloquence ; Congress meets at New York ; Stamp Act repealed ; Speaker Robinson; Fauquier suc- ceeded by Blair; Baptists in Virginia; Actio levy duties in America resisted , Botetourt Governor; Affairs during his Administration ; Succeeded by President Kelson; Gieat Fresh in 1771; Dunmore Governor; Resistance to duty on Tea ; Proceedings in Virginia ; Congress meets at Philadelphia; Dunmore's Indian War; The Battle of Point Pleasant ; Logan. The successful termination of the war of 1755 paved the way for American indepen- dence. Hitherto from the first settlement of the colonies, Great Britain without seeking a direct revenue from them, had been satis- fied with a monopoly of (heir trade. And now when they had grown more capable of resisting impositions, the mother country rose in her demands. * Thus [1764,] dis- putes commenced between Great Britain and the colonies, and lasting aboul twelve years, ended in a disruption of the empire. This result, inevitable in the natural course of events, was precipitated by the impolitic and arbitrary measures of the British gov- ernment. In the general loyalty of the - Ramsay's Hist, of the U. S. colonies, new commercial restrictions, al- though involving a heavy indirect taxa- tion, would have been submitted to. But the novel scheme of direct taxation — with- out their consent — was reprobated as contra- ry to their natural and chartered rights and a llame of discontent finally overspread the whole country. The recent war had inspi- red the provincial troops with more confi- dence in themselves and had rendered the British regulars less formidable in their eyes. The success of the allied arms had put an end to the dependency of the colonies upon the mother country for protection against the French. In several of the provinces, Germans, Dutch, Swedes and Frenchmen were found commingled with the Anglican population. Great Britain by long wars ably conducted, had acquired glory and an ex- tension of empire ; but in the meantime she had contracted an enormous debt. The British officers entertained with a liberal hos- pitality in America, carried back to England exaggerated reports of the wealth of the colonies. The colonial governors and the British ministry had often been thwarted and annoyed by the republican and independent and sometimes turbulent spirit of the colo- nies, and longed to see it curbed. In fine, the British administration was in the hands of a corrupt and grasping oligarchy, and the minister determined to lessen the burdens at home by levying a direct tax from the col- onies. The loyalty of the Americans had never been warmer than at the close of the war. They had expended their treasure and their blood freely and the recollection of mu- tual sufferings and a common glory strength- ened their attachment to the mother coun- try. These loyal sentiments were destined to wither soon. The colonies too had in- volved themselves in a heavy debt. Within three years, from 1756 to 1759, parliament had granted them a large amount of money to encourage their efforts ; yet exclusive of that amount and of the extraordinary sup- lilies appropriated by the colonial assem- blies, a very heavy debt still remained un- liquidated. When, therefore, parliament, in a few years after, undertook to extort money by a direct tax, from provinces to which she had lately granted incomparably larger sums, it was conceived that the object of the min- ister was not simply to raise the in.-on- ider- 1763-74.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 135 able amount of the tax, but to establish a new and absolute system of "taxation with- out representation." It was easy to fore- see that it might and would be made the in- strument of unlimited extortions and would extinguish the practical legislative indepen- dence of America. After war had raged for nearly eight years, a general peace was concluded, by which France ceded Canada, and Spain the Flori- das to Great Britain. These conquests and the culminating power and the arrogant pre- tensions of that proud island, excited the jealousy and the fears of Europe. In Eng- land a corrupt and arbitrary administration had engendered a formidable opposition at home. [1763.] The national debt had ac- cumulated to an enormous amount; for which an annual interest of twenty-two millions of dollars was paid. The minister proposed to levy from the colonies part of this sum ; al- leging that, as the recent war had been waged partly on their account, it was but fair that they should contribute a share of the ex- pense. And a right was claimed, according to the letter of the British Constitution, for parliament to tax every portion of the em- pire. The absolute right of legislating for the colonies had long, if not always, been claimed theoretically by England; but she had never exerted it in practice, in the es- sential article of taxation. The inhabitants of the colonies admitted their obligation to share the expense of the war, but insisted that the necessary revenue could be legiti- mately levied only by their own legislatures; that taxation and representation were insep- arable, and that distant colonies not repre- sented in parliament were entitled to tax themselves. The justice of parliament would prove a feeble barrier against the demands of avarice. As in England the privilege of granting money was the palladium of the people's liberty against the encroachments of the crown ; so the same right was the safeguard of the colonies against the tyran- ny of the imperial government. [March, 1764.] Parliament passed resolutions decla- ratory of an intention to impose a stamp- duty in America and avowing the right and the expediency of taxing the colonies. This was the fountain-head of the revolution. These resolutions gave great dissatisfaction in America ; but were -popular in England. The prospect of lightening their own bur- dens at the expense of the colonists, daz- zled the English gentry. The resolutions met with no actual opposition in the colo- nies. [March, 1765.] Grenville, the Eng- lish minister, introduced in the house the American Stamp-Act, declaring null and void instruments of writing in daily use in the colonies, unless executed on stamped paper or parchment, charged with a duty imposed by parliament. The bill, warmly debated in the house of commons, met with no opposi- tion in the house of lords, and, [March 22,] received the royal sanction. The night after it passed, Dr. Franklin wrote to Mr. Charles Thomson : * " The sun of liberty is set ; — you must light up the candles of industry and economy." Mr. Thomson answered, " I was apprehensive that other lights would be the consequence." At first it was taken for orranted in England and in America, that the stamp-act would be enforced. It was not to take effect till November, more than seven months after its passage. Virginia led the way in opposition. [29th of May, 1765,] Patrick Henry brought before the house of burgesses, a series of resolutions dec! ting that, " the general assembly of this colony, together with his majesty or his substitutes, have in their representative capacity, the only exclusive right and power to lay taxes and imposts upon the inhabitants of this col- ony." Mr. Henry was a young and new member; but finding the men of weight in the house averse to opposition, and the stamp-act about to take effect and no person likely to step forth — alone, unadvised and unassisted he wrote these resolutions on a blank leaf of an old law-book, t The last resolution was carried only by a single vote. The debate on it, in the language of Jeffer- son, was " most bloody." Peyton Randolph, the king's Attorney General, Richard Bland, Edmund Pendleton, George Wythe and all the old leaders ol" the house were in oppo- sition. Mr. Henry was, however, ably sus- tained by Mr. George Johnston, burgess of I he county of Fairfax. Many threats were uttered in the course of this stormy debate and much abuse; heaped on Mr. Henry. Thomas Jefferson, then a student at W'il- * Afterwards Secretary to Congress. | A. " i Joke upon Littleton." 136 Hi STORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXXII- liamsburg, standing at the doorofthehou.se, overheard the debate. After the Speaker Robinson had declared the result of the vote, Peyton Randolph left the chamber and as he entered the lobby near young Jefferson, ex- claimed, " By Crod, I would have given 500 guineas for a single vote !" Henry bote himself on this occasion like Washington in the battle of the Monongahela. Yet scarce a vestige survives of this display of elo- quence. Tradition has preserved one inci- dent. While thundering against the stamp- act he exclaimed, " Ciesar had his Brutus, Charles I. his Cromwell, and George III — ('Treason,' cried the Speaker; 'treason, treason,' resounded from every part of the house. Henry rising to a loftier attitude, with an unfaltering voice and unwavering 1 eye, finished the sentence,) — may profit by the example ; if this be treason, make the most of it." Mr. Henry was now the lead- ing man in Virginia. His resolutions gave the impulse to the other colonies and the revolutionary spirit spread like a prairie-fire over the whole country. At the instance of the colony of Massa- chusetts Bay, a congress met on the second Tuesday of October, 1765, at New York. Twenty-eight members wore in attendance. The assemblies of Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia were prevented by their gov- ernors from sending deputies. This con- gress made a declaration denying the right of parliament to tax the colonies, and con- curred in petitions to the king and the house of commons and a memorial to the house of lords. Virginia and the other two colonies not represented, forwarded petitions accor- dant with those adopted by the Congress. Opposition to the stamp-act now blazed forth in every quarter. It was disregarded and defied. The colonists betook themselves to domestic manufactures and foreign luxuries were laid aside, fn the meanwhile a change had taken place in the British ministry. The stamp-act was taken up ill parliament. Dr. Franklin was examined at the bar of the bouse o!' commons. Lord Camden in the house of pens and Mr. Pitt in the commons favored a. repeal of the act. After taking measures "for securing the dependence of America on Great Britain," parliament re- pealed the stamp-act, [March, 1766.] ! May, 1765.] A motion had been brought forward in the Virginia assembly for the es- tablishment of a loan-office. The object was to lend the public money to individuals on landed security. The project was strenuously opposed by Patrick Henry and it failed. It was urged in its favor, that from the unhap- py circumstances of the colony, men of for- tune had contracted debts, which if exacted suddenly, must ruin them ; but with a little indulgence might be liquidated. "What, sir!'' exclaimed Mr. Henry, "is it proposed then to reclaim the spend-thrift from his dis- sipation and extravagance by filling his pock- ets with money ?" At the session of 1766, Mr. John Robinson, who for many years had held the joint offices of Speaker and Trea- surer, being now dead, an enormous defalca- tion was discovered in his accounts. A mo- tion to separate the two offices, supported by Mr. Henry, proved successful. Peyton Ran- dolph was made Speaker and Robert C. Nicholas, Treasurer. The deficit of the late treasurer exceeded one hundred thousand pounds. Mr. Robinson, amiable, libera! and wealthy, had been long at the head of the Virginia aristocracy. He had lent large sums of the public money to friends involved in debt, particularly to members of the as- sembly, confiding for its replacement upon his own ample property and the securities taken on the loans. At length apprehen- sive of a discovery of the deficit, he with his friends in the assembly, devised the scheme of the loan-office. The entire amount of the defalcation was however eventually re- covered from the estate of Robinson. * In 17b'6 was published, at Williamsburg. " An Inquiry into the Rights of the British Colonies," t from the pen of Richard Bland. *"1I<' resided at Mount Pleasant on the Matapony in King & Queen county— the house there having been built foi him, ii is said, by the father of Lucy Moore of Chel- sea in King William, one of Ins wives. A portrait of her when quite young is preserved at Chelsea in the room in which she was married. His portrait is preserved by his iints. He lies buried in the garden at Mount Pleasant, without ;i tombstone. f 1 am indebted to Dr. Thomas P. Atkinson, of Dan- ville, l\ cility of admission into their pulpits, impos- tors not (infrequently brought scandal upon the name of religion. Schisms, too, repeat- edly interrupted the harmony of the Baptist associations. Nevertheless, by the striking earnestness and the pious example of many of them, the Baptists gained ground rapidly in Virginia. In their efforts to avail them- selves of the toleration act, they found Pat- rick Henry ready to step forward in their be- half and he remained through life their un- wavering friend. They yet cherish his mem- ory with fond gratitude. The growth of dis- sent in Virginia was accelerated by the ex- tremely defective character of the established clergy of that day. The Baptists having suf- fered much persecution under the establish- ment were of all others the most inimical to it and afterwards the most active in its sub- version. The news of the repeal of the Stamp Act was joyfully welcomed in America. It had averted the horrors of a civil war. But the joy of the colonists was premature; for simultaneously with the repeal, parliament had declared that "it had and of right ought to have power to bind the colonies in all cases whatsoever." [1767.] Charles Towns- bend, afterwards Chancellor of the Exche- quer, brought into parliament a lull to levy duties in the colonies on glass, paper, paint- ers' colors and tea. The bill became a law. The duties were external and did not exceed in amount twenty thousand pounds: but tin; colonic- suspected the mildness of the mea- sure to be only a lure to inveigle them into the ne!. The uevt act was to take effect on the 20th of Novewber, 1767. Resistance smothered for a time by the repeal of the stamp-act now burst forth afresh. Associa- tions were everywhere organized to defeat the odious duties ; altercations between the people and the king's officers grew frequent; the passions of the conflicting parties were exasperated. Two British regiments and some armed vessels arrived at Boston. . In Virginia the assembly encountering no opposition from the mild ■'.u<\ patriotic Blair, remonstrated loudly against the new oppres- sions. Opposition to the arbitrary measures of Britain broke forth in that kingdom and in London the furj of civil discord shook the pillars of the government. Meanwhile Lord Botetourt, t just emerging from a corrupt * Semple's Hist. of Va. Baptists, pp. 1,16,24. Hawks, p. 120. J Norboni B< rklcy, Baron ul Boti 10 140 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXXII. and abortive intrigue, arrived in Virginia Governor-in-chief. [May 11th, 1769,] the assembly was convened. The new govern or rode upon that occasion to the capitol in a state coach, (a present from George III,) drawn by six milk-white horses and the in- signia of Vice-royalty were pompously dis- played. The pageant intended to dazzle served only to offend. In February parlia- ment had advised his majesty to take ener- getic measures against the colonies and he had heartily concurred in those views. Upon receiving intelligence of this the burgesses of Virginia again passed resolutions vindi- cating the rights of the colonies. An ad- dress was also prepared to be laid before the king. Botetourt took alarm and on the fol- lowing day, the 18th of May, having convo- ked the assembly in the council chamber, addressed them as follows: " Mr. Speaker and gentlemen of the house of burgesses, I have heard of your resolves and augur ill of their effects. You have made it my duty to dissolve you and you are dissolved according- ly." An unpleasant communication could not have been more gracefully worded. The burgesses immediately repaired in a body to a private house and unanimously adopted a non-importation agreement, draughted by George Mason and presented by George Washington. [9th of May, 1769.] The king in his speech to parliament re-echoed their determination to enforce the laws in every part of his dominions. May 13th of the same month, the earl of Hillsborough, Sec- rotary of State for the colonies, wrote to Bot- etourt, assuring him that it was not the in- tention of his majesty's ministers to propose any further taxes upon America ami that they intended to propose a repeal of the du- ties on glass, paper and paints, upon the ground that those duties had been imposed contrary to the true principles of commerce. Botetourt convening the assembly, commu- nicated these assurances, adding: "it is my firm opinion that the plan I have stated to you will certainly take place and that it will never be departed from and so determined am I to abide by h, that I will he content to be declared infamous, if I do not |o the last hour of my lile, at all times, in all places and upon al! occasion.-, exert every power with which I am or ever shall he legally invested in order to obtain and maintain for the con- tinent of America, that satisfaction which I have been authorized to promise this day by the confidential servant of our gracious sov- ereign, who to my certain knowledge rates his honor so high, that he would rather part with his crown than preserve it by deceit." The house answered this address in warm terms of loyal gratitude and confidence. The estimable Botetourt died, [15th of October, % 1770,] in his 53rd year and after an admin- istration of two years. Promoted to the peerage, [1764,] he had succeeded Amherst as Governor-in-chief, [176S.J and was the first since Lord Culpepper who condescend- ed to come to the colony. On his arrival he designed to reduce the Virginians to submis- sion, either by persuasion or by force ; but when he became better acquainted with the people, he changed his views and urgently entreated the ministry to repeal the o!fen- sive taxes. Such a promise was held out to him ; but finding himself deceived by a per- fidious ministry, he demanded his recall and died shortly after of a bilious fever exacerba- ted by chagrin and disappointment. He was a patron of learning and the arts, giving out of his own purse silver and gold medals as prizes to the students of William and Mary ( ollege. The assembly erected a statu." in his honor which is .still standing. * His death was deeply lamented by the colony. The administration devolved upon William Nel- son, president of the Council. The assem- bly met [18th. of July, 1771.] A project was now agitated by some of the Virginia clergy to introduce an American episcopate. The movement was headed by Rev. John Camm. But the assembly having expressed its disapprobation of the measure and being urged but by few and resisted by some of the clergy, it fell to the ground. The scheme had been entertained for more than a hun- dred years before and it was at one time pro- posed to make Dr. Swift bishop of Virginia, with power to ordain priests and deacons for all the colonies and to parcel them out into deaneries, parishes, chapels, &c, and to re- commend and present thereto. \ [May, 177 1, | a great fresh occurred in Virginia. The James river in three days rose twenty * In from o( Hi.* College of William and Mary. 1 Swill writing lo Win. Hunter in I70S-9 says: "So that nil my hopes now lerrainale in iny bishopiii k ol \ u- ijiiiia ' See s .. ili works, iol. 12, p I i'>. 1763-74.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 141 feet higher than ever known before. The low grounds were everywhere inundated, standing crops destroyed, corn, fences, chat- tels, merchandise, cattle and houses carried off and ships forced from their moorings. Many of the inhabitants, master and slave, in endeavoring to save property, or to es- cape from danger, were drowned. Houses were seen drifting down the current, and people clinging to them uttering fruitless cries for succor. Fertile fields were covered with a thick deposite of sand. Islands were torn to pieces, bars accumulated, the chan- nel diverted and the face of Nature altered. * The number of inhabitants drowned was es- timated at not less than 150. Lord Dun- more t [1772] was transferred from the gov- ernment of New York to that of Virginia. [1770.] All the duties on articles imported into America, had been repealed, save that (in tea. The American merchants refused to import that herb from England. Conse- quently a large stock of it was accumula- ted in the warehouses of the East India Company. The government now authori- zed the company to ship it to America free from any export duty. The light import duty payable in America, being far less than that from which it was exempt in England, it was taken for granted that the tea would sell more readily in the colony than before it had been made a source of revenue. The tea-ships arrived in America; measures were taken to prevent the landing of the cargoes. At Boston the tea was thrown overboard into the sea. Not a single chest was sold in Amer- ca for the benefit of the East India Company. Not long after, the port of Boston was shut, by act of Parliament, and a series of vigo- rous measures was enforced in order to re- duce the colony of Massachusetts Bay to submission. [March, 1773.] The Virginia ;i s-cin 1>1 \- originated the system of commit- tees of correspondence between the le- gislatures of colonies. This scheme was • Soot's (Edinburgh) Mag. for July 1771, and Va. Ga- zette for May 1771. Al Turkey Island, (which however is not an island,) on the James linn,- ihe ori ;inal scat ol the Virginia R lolphs, there is a monument bearing the following inscription: "The foundations of this pillar was laid in tin calamitous year 1773, when all the great rivers of this Country were swept by inundations, never befon experienced, which changed the face ol Natun nd left traces of theii violence that will remain foi a + John Murraj Earl of Dunmore. suggested by Richard Henry Lee. * The committee appointed for Virginia were Pey- ton Randolph, Robert C. Nicholas, Richard Bland, Richard Henry Lee. Benjamin Har- rison, Edmund Pendleton, Patrick Henry, Dudley Digges, Dabney Carr, Archibald Car) and Thomas Jefferson. Mr. Cur though young was an advocate second in eloquence only to Patrick Henry, and promised to be- come no less distinguished as a statesman, but died shortly after, greatly regretted. | May, 1774.] The assembly upon receiving intelli- gence of the occlusion of the port of Bos- ton, set apart the 1st of June as a fast day. On the next day Dunmore dissolved the house. The eighty-nine burgesses repaired immedi- ately to the Raleigh tavern and in the room called "the Apollo," t adopted resolutions against the use of tea and other East India commodities and recommending the conven- ing of another congress. Further news be- ing received from Boston some days after, twenty-five burgesses, among whom was Washington, remained in Williamsburg, — held a meeting [May 29th] and issued a cir- cular recommending a meeting of deputies in a convention to be held at Williamsburg, [August 1st.] The convention met accord- ingly. A new and more thorough non-im- portation association was subscribed. Pey- ton Randolph, Richard Henry Lee, George Washington, Patrick Henry, Richard Bland, Benjamin Harrison and Edmund Pendleton, were appointed delegates to Congress. The session lasted only six days. * Wirt attributes the suggest ion to Dabney ( an ; others to Mr. Jefferson. Lee appears, however, to have first con- ceived the plan in Virginia, and Samuel Adams as early in Massachusetts. f The Raleigh is upwards of 100 years old. There is a bust of Sir Walter Raleigh in front ol the house. Our of its apartments, ''the Apollo," was the ball-room of the me- tropolis. It appears from 'Ik- records of York county, that [August '.-'imI, litis,] iho Feoffees ol Williamsburg sold lot \i>. 54, on which the Raleigh tavern was afterwards elec- ted, io Richard Bland, for 15 shillin s. [1712.] This lot was owned by John Sarjanton, who sold it to Daniel Bl< wit [1715.] Thomas Jones appears to hive bi prietor of it. [1742.] John Blair sold lot on North side of Duke ol Gloucester street, for "Subscription Ordinary," to John Dixon, David Meade, Patrick Barclay, Alexander McKenzie and .lames Murray, for £250. [1749 | McKen- zie & Co . sold the " Rah i ;h Tavi m" to John I II iswell and George Gilmer lor £700. [1703.] John Robinson & Co., executors of Gi orge Gilmer, sold the same to William Trebell. [1707.] Trebell sold the Raleigh tavern and 20 aerosol land to Anthony Hay, [1771.] Joht Gn nhow & Co., i xecutors ol lla\ , for £2,000, sold the i ■ ill acres of land to James Southall. 142 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXXII. [September 4th, 1774.] The old continen- tal congress met at Carpenter's Hall in Phil- adelphia. Peyton Randolph, of Virginia, was chosen president. Patrick Henry was the first to break the silence of the assembly. His speech satisfied all, that he was the great- est orator, not only in Virginia, but in Ame- rica. He was "Shakspeare and Garrick com- bined." He was followed by Richard Henry Lee, in whom genius, learning, virtue and patriotism were happily united. Although he had applied for the office of collector of the Stamp Duty, yet he became one of the earliest and most active opponents of it, and the county of Westmoreland, where his in- fluence was felt, claims the honor of having led the way in organized opposition. * As Patrick Henry was reckoned the Demosthe- nes of America, so Richard Henry Lee was acknowledged to be the Cicero. It was soon discovered, however, that while Henry tow- ered supereminent in oratory, — yet in com- position and in the routine of actual business, he was surpassed by many. The congress adjourned in October. Mr. Henry, on his return home, being asked " who was the greatest man in congress?" replied, "if you speak of eloquence, Mr. Rutledge, of South Carolina, is by far the greatest orator ; but if you speak of solid information and sound judgment, Colonel Washington is unques- tionably the greatest man on that floor." Dickinson of Pennsylvania composed the pe- tition to the king and the address to the inhabitants of Quebec ; Jay, of New York, the address to the people of Great Britain, and Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, the me- morial to the inhabitants of the British colo- nies. It had long been a custom in Virginia to form independent companies for military dis- cipline. Several of these now solicited Col. Washington to take command of them. He consent) d. In the apprehension of war all eyes involuntarily turn< d to him as the first military character in the colony. [April, 1771. | Some hostilities occurred between the Indians and the whites, on the frontier of Virginia. On which side these outrages commenced, was a matter of dis- pute. The whites, however, were probably * See in Southern I. it. Messenger, vol. 8, p. 257, the Westmoreland Association, dated February -'7, 1706, "I winch Richard Henry Lee is the iii-i subscriber. the aggressors. An Indian war being appre- hended, Governor Dunmore appointed Gen- eral Andrew Lewis, of Botetourt county, to the command of the Southern division of the forces, volunteer and militia, raised for the occasion in Botetourt, Augusta and the ad- joining counties, East of the Blue Ridge ; while his lordship in person took command of those levied in the Northern counties, Frederick, Dunmore, (now Shenandoah,) and the adjacent counties. According to the plan of the campaign, Lewis was to march to Point Pleasant, (where the great Kanawha empties into the Ohio,) there to be joined by the Governor. About the 1st of September, 1774, the troops placed under command of Gen'l Lewis, rendezvoused at Camp Union,* (now Lewisburg,) and they consisted of two regiments, commanded by Colonel William Fleming, of Botetourt, and Colonel Charles Lewis, of Augusta, and each containing about four hundred men. At Camp Union they were joined by an independent volun- teer company, under Col. John Field, of Cul- pepper, a company from Bedford, under Col. Buford, and two companies from the Holstein Settlement, (now Washington county,) under* Captains Evan Shelby and Harbert. These three latter companies were part of the forces to be led on by Col. Christian, who was to join the troops at Point Pleasant, as soon as his regiment should be completed. [Sep- tember 11th.] General Lewis, with eleven hundred men commenced his march. The route lay through a wilderness. The division was piloted by Capt. Matthew Arbuckle. The flour, ammunition and camp equipage, were transported on pack-horses ; bullocks were driven in the rear of the little army. After a inarch of nineteen days, during which they proceeded 1G0 miles, they reached Point Pleasant, [Sept. 30th,] the angle formed by the junction of the great Kanawha, ("the river of woods,'') with the beautiful Ohio. The ground of the encampment is high and strong, ami commands an extensive and pic- turesque prospect. Dunmore failing to join Lewis here, he sent out runners towards Fort Pitt, in quest of him. But before their re- turn, an express from the governor n acl ed Point Pleasant, [October 9th. J ordering Lewis * Col. Stewart, in his accotmt of the Indian Wars, falls it Fort Savannah. 1763-74.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 143 to march for the Chilicothe towns and there join him. Preparations were immediately made for crossing the Ohio, but on the morn- ing of the following day, Monday, [October 10th, 1774,] two soldiers, starting from the camp on a hunting excursion, proceeded up the bank of the Ohio. When they had gone about two miles, they came upon a large body of Indians just rising from their en- campment and who firing killed one of them; the other escaping unhurt, running rapidly back to the camp, reported that " he had seen a body of the enemy covering four acres of ground as closely as they could stand by the side of each other." It was the famous chief, Cornstalk, at the head of an army of Delawares, Mingoes, Cayugas, Wyandots and Shawnees. But for the hunter's intelligence, they would have surprized the camp of the Provincials. General Lewis upon learning the enemy's approach, lit his pipe and imme- diately sent forward the main body of his army, a detachment of Augusta troops, under his brother, Col. Charles Lewis, and another of Botetourt troops, under Col. Fleming. The General with the reserve, remained for the defence of the camp. The advanced corps formed in two lines, moved forward about four hundred yards, when they met the enemy arrayed in the same order. The ac- tion commenced a little after sunrise, by a heavy firing from the Indians. The two ar- mies extended at right angles to the Ohio, through the woods to Crooked Creek, which empties into the great Kanawha a little above its mouth. In a short time, Col. Charles Lewis being mortally wounded * and Col. Fleming severely, their troops gave way and retreated towards the camp until met by a reinforcement under Col. Field, when they rallied and maintained their ground. The engagement now became general and was sustained with obstinate valor on both sides. The Provincials being thus hemmed in be- tween the two rivers, with the Indian line ol battle in front, General Lewis employed the troops from the more Eastern parts of the colony and who were less experienced in Indian fighting, in throwing up a breast- * Tliis gallant and estimable officer, uhen struck by the fatal ball, fell at the foot of a tree, when he was against his own wish carried to his tent by Capt. Morrow ami a pri- vate and died in a few hours., ills loss was deeply lamen- ted. work of the boughs and trunks of trees across the angle made by the Kanawha and the Ohio. About 12 o'clock, the Indian lire be- gan to slacken and the enemy slowly and re- luctantly gave way, being driven back less than two miles in six or seven hours. A des- ultory fire was still kept up from behind trees, and the whites as they pressed on tin- retreating foe, were repeatedly ambuscaded. At length General Lewis detached three com- panies, commanded by Capt. Isaac Shelby, George Matthews and John Stuart, with or- ders to move secretly along the banks of the Kanawha and Crooked Creek, so as to gain the rear of the enemy. This manoeuvre be- ing successfully executed, the savages at 4 o'clock, P. M. tied, and during the night re- crossed the Ohio. The loss of the whites in this battle, has been variously estimated at from 40 to 75 killed, and 140 wounded, a large proportion of the whole number of the troops actually engaged, who did not exceed 550. One hundred of Lewis' men, including his best marksmen, were absent in the woods hunting and knew nothing of the battle until it was all over. Among the killed were Col. Charles Lewis, Col. Field, who had served in Braddock's war, Captains Buford, Morrow, Murray, Ward, Cundiff, Wilson and McClen- achan ; Lieuts. Allen, Goldsby and Dillon, and several other subalterns. ' The loss of the savages was never ascertained. The bo- dies of 33 slain were found, but many had been thrown into the Ohio during the action. The number of the Indian army was not known, but it comprised the (lower of the northern confederated tribes, led on by Red- hawk, a Delaware chief; Scoppathus, a Min- go; Chiyawee, a Wyandot; Logan, a Cayuga, and Ellinipsico and his father, Cornstalk, Shawnees. Cornstalk displayed great skill and * Among the officer* in the kittle ol Poinl Picas, nit were Gen. Isaac Shelby, the lii-t govi rnoi ol Kentucky ami af- terwards Secretary ol War; General William Campbell, the lnio of King's Mountain and Col. John Campbell, who distinguished himself at. Long Island; Gen. Evan Shelby, who became an eminent citizen of Tennessee ; Col. Wil- liam l'h mil ■■ . .i revolutionary patriot; Gen. Andrew Moore, United States Senator from Virginia; Col. John Stewarl ol Greenbrier; General Tate ol Washington County, Vir- ginia ; Col. William McKeeol Kentucky; Col. John Governor ol the Mississippi Territory ; Col Charles Cam- eron, of Bath ; General Bazaleel Wells.ol Ohio ; and Gen- eral George Matthews, who distinguished himsell at Brun- dywine, Germantown, and Guilford, and was a Governoi .a Georgia and an United States Senator hum thai State. 144 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXXII. courage ; when one of his warriors evinced a want of firmness in his action, he slew him with one blow of his tomahawk, and during the day his voice could be heard above the din of arms, exclaiming in his native tongue, " bo strong, be strong." After the battle, General Lewis having bu- ried the dead of his own troops and made provision for the wounded, erected a small fort at Point Pleasant and leaving a garrison there, marched to overtake Lord Dunmore, who, with a thousand men, lay entrenched near the Shawnee towns on the banks of the Scioto. The Indians having sued to him for peace, his lordship having determined to make a treaty with them, sent orders to Lewis to halt, (or according to others,) to return to Point Pleasant. Lewis, however, suspecting the governor's good faith, and finding himself threatened by a superior force of Indians who hovered in his rear, disregarding Dunmore's order, advanced to within three miles of the Governor's camp. His lordship, accompa- nied by the Indian chief, White-Eyes, now visited the camp of Lewis and he (according to some relations) with difficulty restrained his men from killing the Governor and his Indian companion. General Lewis now, to his great chagrin, received orders to return home with his division. This order was re- luctantly obeyed. General Andrew Lewis resided on the Roanoke, in the county of Botetourt. He was one of six sons of John Lewis, the early pioneer of Augusta county. In Braddock's war, he was in a company, in which were all his brothers, the eldest, Sam- uel Lewis, being the captain of it. This company displayed great courage at Brad- dock's defeat. Major Andrew Lewis was made prisoner at Grant's defeat, where he exhibited extraordinary prudence and cour- age, lie was twice wounded at the capture of Fort Necessity and was subsequently a meritorious officer during the revolutionary war. (Jen. Lewis was upwards of six feet high, of uncommon strength and agility, and of a form of exact symmetry. His counte- nance was sti rn and invincible, his deport- nient reserved and distant. lie was a com- missioner with Dr. Thomas Walker on behalf of Virginia, al the Treaty of Fort Stanwix, in New York, [1768.] 1 1 was then that the governor of New York remarked of him, that " the earth seemed to tremble under him as he walked along." * Dunmore remaining, concluded a treaty! with the Indians. Upon this occasion Corn- stalk, in a long speech, charged the whites with having provoked the war. His tones of thunder resounded over a camp of twelve acres. Logan, the Cayuga chief, assented to the treaty, but still indignant at the murder of his family, refused to attend with the other chiefs at the camp. He sent his speech in a wampum-belt by an interpreter. " I appeal to any white man to say, if ever he entered Logan's cabin hungry and he gave him not meat ; if ever he came cold and naked and he clothed him not. During the course of the last long and bloody war, Logan remain- ed idle in his cabin an advocate for peace. Such was my love for the whites that my countrymen pointed as they passed and said, 'Logan, is the friend of the white men.' I had even thought to have lived with you but for the injuries of one man. Col. Cresap the last Spring in cold blood and unprovoked murdered all the relations of Logan not even sparing my women and children. There runs not a drop of my blood in the veins of any living creature. This called on me for revenge. I have sought it; I have killed many: I have fully glutted my vengeance. For my country I rejoice at the beams of peace. But do not harbor a thought that mine is the joy of fear. Logan never felt fear. He will uol turn on his heel to save his life. Who is there to mourn for Logan ? Not one." t * Howe's Historical Collections of Virginia, pp. 3GI, :iiifj, 'H) I, '2i>r>. Dr. Campbell's .Memoir in Appendix. t According to Col. A. Lewis of Montgomery, there was no treaty effected till the following Spring. See Memoir in Appendix. 1 Logan's family had indeed bei n massacred by a party of whites in reialiation for some Indian murders, but the against Cresap appears to have been unfounded. Mr Jefferson gave implicit credit to the authenticit) of this speech. See Appendix to Notes on Virginia. Dod- dridge, in Kercheval, is of the same opinion. Jacob, in the same work, insinuates that the speech was a counter- feit and insists that ll genuine, u was false in its state- ments, and that Cresap was as humane as brave and had no hand in I he deaih c.l Logan's family, and adds thai in the original speech Cresap was nol named. The first sentence oi the speech in part, closely resembles a Scriptural ex- pression in St. Matthew, c Id, i ■■■ 36. Logan was a half- breed. IK' died a sot. 1774-76.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA, 145 CHAPTER XXXIII. 1774—1776. Suspicions entertained against Dunmore ; Daniel Boone; Kentucky; Second Virginia Convention; Patrick Hen- ry's Speech : Thomas Jefferson ; Dunmore removes the Gunpowder from the Magazine; Disturbances at VVH. liamsbnrg; Henry recovet c in pen ttion (or the Pon- der; Mecklenburg North Carolina Declaration el" Inde- pendence. Further commotions at V\ more retires aboard the Fowey ; V\ appointed mander-in-Chief ; Convention meets at Richmond ; Dunmore's predatory war ; Affair of the Great Bridge; Norfolk Burnt; Indignity offered Henry; l r " retires from the Army ; Pendleton ; Miscellaneous affairs ; Dec- laration of Independence ; Wythe; V ' nry Lee; Francis Lightfoot Lee. Suspicions were not w anting that the fron- tier had been embroiled in this India!! war by the machinations of Dunmore, and that his ultimate object was to secure an alii with the savages, to aid England in tl pected contest with the colonies. These suspicions were strengthened by his equivo- cal conduct during the campaign. He was also suspected of fomenting the boundan altercations between Pennsylvania and Vir- ginia on the North-Western frontier with the same sinister views. It is probable, however, that his lordship in this particular was prompt- ed rather by motives of personal interest than <>!' political manoeuvre. : And the as upon his return to Williamsburg, gave him a vote of thanks for his good conduct of the war, a compliment however which i: w; terwards doubted whether he had merited. To say the least, his motives in thai campaign are involved in uncertainty. There i- ; a cu- rious coincidence between the administration of Dunmore and that of Sir William Berke- ley, in relation to Indian war and in other particulars. [May, 1769.] Daniel Boone resigning do- mestic happiness, left bis family and | * Dunmore's agent, Conolly, vms "locating" large traeis of new i. iii. N mi the liuid" r^ ..I il,'' < >hio. See Jacob's ac- count in Kercheval's History ol the Valley. Murray, a grandson ol governor Dunmore anil Queen's page, visited lited States some years ago, partly, it was said, for the purpose ol making enquirj cot ci rn lands, the title ol w liich was ill Ifal In r. M urraj visited some of the old si il ver James, and makes mention dl them in his pleasing ible " Travels in the United Stati »." ful home on the bank of the Yadkin river, in North Carolina, "to wander through the wil- derness of Ann rica in quest of the country of Kentucky/' In this exploration of the unknown regions of Western Virginia, he was accompanied by five companions. June 7th, reaching Red river, they beheld from an eminence an extensive prospect of ''the beau- tiful level of Kentucky." Encamping they began to hunt and reconnoitre the country. Innumerable buffalo browsed on the leaves of the cane, or pastured on the herbage of the plains, or lingered on the borders of the salt " lick." [December 22nd.] Boone and a comrade, Joint Stuart, rambling in the mag- nificence of forests yet unscarred by the axe, were surprised by a party of Indians and captured. Meeting tins catastrophe with a resolute mien of indifference, they contrived to effect their escape in the night. Return- ing to their camp they found it plundered and deserted. Tl'.;: fate of its occupants could not be doubted. A brother of Boone, with another hardy adventurer, shortly after overtook the two forlorn survivors. Stuart not long afterwards was slain by the savag< s; the companion of Boone's brother, by wolves. The two brothers remained in a howling wil- derness untrod by the white man, surround- ed by perils and far from the reach of succor. With unshaken fortitude they continued to hunt, and erected a rude cabin to shelter i hem from the storms of winter. When threatened by the approach of savages, the brothers lay during the night concealed in swamps. [May 1st, 1770.] Says Boone, " my brother returned home for a new recruit of horses and ammunition, leaving me alone, without bread, salt or sugar, or even a horse or a dog." In one of his solitary excursions made at ibis time, alter wandering during the whole day through scenes teeming with nat- ural charms that dispelled every gloomy thought, "just at the close of day the orntle eased ; a profound calm ensued ; not ! breath shook the tremulous leaf. I had o-ained the summit of a. commanding ridge and looking around with astonishing delight, beheld the ample plains and beauteous tracts below. On one hand I surveyed the famous Ohio, rolling in silent dignity am! marking the Western boundary of Kentucky, within- conceivable grandeur. At a vast distance 1 1 beheld the mountains lilt their venerable It) 146 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXXIII. brows and penetrate the clouds. All things were still. I kindled a fire near a fountain of sweet water and feasted on the loin of a buck, which I had killed a few hours before. The shades of night soon overspread the hemisphere and the earth seemed to gasp after the hovering moisture. At a distance I frequently heard the hideous yells of sava- ges. My excursion had fatigued my body and amused my mind. I laid me down to sleep and awoke not till the sun had chased away the night." " No populous city, with all its varieties of commerce and stately structures, could afford so much pleasure to my mind as the beauties of nature I found in this country." [July 7th, 1770.] Boone, re- joined by his brother, explored the country to the borders -of the Cumberland river. [March, 1771.] Daniel Boone returned to his home on the Yadkin, sold his possessions there, and started with his own and five other families to return and settle in Kentucky, the " Bloody Ground." On the route he was re-inforced by a party of forty men. [Octo- ber 10th.] In a skirmish with a party of In- dians, six of Boone's men were slain — amono- them his eldest son. This happened in view of the Cumberland mountains — those huo-e piles, the aspect of whose cliffs " is so wild and horrid that it is impossible to behold them without horror." Until June 6th, 1774, Boone remained with his family on the bor- ders of the Clinch river, when at the requesl of Governor Dunmore, he went to assist in convoying a party of surveyors to the falls of the Ohio. He was next employed by Dun- more in the command of three garrisons dur- ing the campaign against the Shawnecs. [March, 1775.] At the solicitation of a num- ber of gentlemen of North Carolina, Boone, at the treaty of Wataga, purchased from the Cherokees the lands on the South side of 1 Kentucky river. Alter this he undertook to mark out a road in the best passage from the; settlement through the wilderness !<> Ken- tucky. During this work) lie and his men were twice attacked by the Indians. Early in 1??.'"), he erected a fort at Boonsborough, near the Kentucky river. In June, he re- turned to his family on the Clinch, and re- moved them to Boonsborough. I lis wife and daughter were supposed to be the first white women that ever stood upon the banks of the Kentuckv river. Boonsboroucrh was lonnis from the Resolutions of instruction of the Convention of Virginia, passed May 15th, 1776. 4. The Mecklenburg Declaration says, "absolve ourselves from all allegiance to the British Crown." The Declara- lion of .Inly lib says, "are absolved from all allegiance lo the British Crown." This expression uas borrowed by Mr. Lee in his Resolution of June 7th, and adopted from Mr. I.ee's Resolution, by the Committee. Mr. Jell", .son's own oi ; r'mal draught has it, " renounce all allegiance to the kings ol Great Britain" &c. 5. "Are and of right ought lo ho." These being customary wouL in parliamentary declaratory acts, are h,inl\ mi' jects of plagiarism. They appeal however to have been adopted from Mr. Lee's Res- olution, by the Committee. 6. "Abjure all political con- nection." The Declaration ■ ■! July Ith expresses h, "that nil poli: iral connexion between them and ihe State ol Great lint, an is, ami ought to be, tol illj dissolved." Mr. Jeffer- son's own original draught has it, " we utterlj dissolve all political connexion." 7. "We solemnlj ph other, our mutual co-operation, our lues, our fortunes an, I our sacred honor." The Declaration of July 4th employs the < s| ion, " We mutually pledge to each oth, I our lives, mn fortunes, and om sacred honor." See I Mar- shall's Washington, note 6. I Jefferson's Writings pp. 15 and 21, ami fac simili of the MS, Declaration of Indepen- dence appi a led to vol. 1. Jones' Defence of North Caro- hi,.,, .hem,' Memorialsof Norlh Carolina. Foote's Sketch rt.li Carolina, pp. 37 and 38. Henina, vol. 1. pp. 32-3C Sou I. t. Mess., vol. t,pp. 209-210-212 213. .Mar- tin's Hist, oi North Carolina, vol. 2, pp. 372-376. 1774-76.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 151 azine. On the night of Monday, June oth, a number of persons having assembled at the magazine to furnish themselves with arms, two or three upon entering the door were wounded by spring-guns, placed there by order of the governor. Several barrels of powder were also found buried in the magazine to be used, (it was suspected,) as a mine when occasion should offer. Early on the next morning, June 6th, Lord Dun- more with his family escaped from Williams- burg to return no more and took shelter on board the Fowey. A correspondence that now ensued between him and the assembly resulted in no agreement, and the house after declaring that there was reason to ap- prehend a dangerous attack upon the peo- ple of the colony and that preparations for resistance ought to be made and still ex- pressing an anxious desire for harmony with the mother country, at length adjourned. The delegates were summoned at the same time to meet in convention at Richmond. [17th of June, 1775.] On the occasion of this adjournment, Richard Henry Lee, stand- ing with two other burgesses in the portico of the capitol, wrote with his pencil on a pillar these lines : — " When shall we three meet again, In thunder, lightning and in ram .' When the Inn l\ -burly's done, When the battle's lost and won."* [June 25th.] Shortly after Dunmore's flight, a party of twenty-four persons remo- ved a quantity of arms from the palace to the magazine, t The governor had been request- ed to authorize the removal and had refused. Nightly watches were now established in Williamsburg, and measures were taken to protect the place against surprise. The neighboring counties contributed men for this purpose. June 29th, the Magdalen schooner sailed from York, with lady Dun- more and the rest of the governor's family, for England. The Magdalen was convoyed to the capes by the Fowey. This ship was soon after relieved by the Mercury, of 21 * Wirt's Life of Henry, p. 157. 1 Bland Papers, vol. I, p. xxiii, where the names of the party may be found ; among them were Theodorick Bland, Jr., Richard Kidder Meade, Benjamin Harrison. Jr., ol Berkley, and .lames Monroe. John Carter Littlepage was active among the patriots at Williamsburg. guns. The governor's domestics now aban- doned the palace and removed to Porto-Bel- lo, i!i'.' governor's seat, about six miles from Williamsburg. Dunmore look up bis station at Portsmouth. [14th of June, 1775.] George Washing- ton was unanimously elected by congress, commander-in-chief of the armies of the United Colonies. Impressed with a profound sense of the responsibility of the trust, he accepted it, declining all compensation for his services and avowing an intention to keep an account of his expenses, which he should rely on congress to discharge. He took com- mand of the army, near Boston, July 3rd. * On Monday, the 24th of July, 1775, the convention met at Richmond. Measures were taken for raising two regiments of reg- ular troops for one year, and to enlist part of the militia as minute-men. A committee of safety was organized to take charge of the executive duties of the colony. The com- mittee consisted of eleven gentlemen, Ed- mund Pendleton, George Mason, John Page, Richard Bland, Thomas Ludwell Lee, Paul Carrington, Dudley Digges, William Cabell, Carter Braxton, James Mercer and John Tabb. Patrick Henry was elected Colonel of the first regiment and commander of all the forces raised and to be raised for the de- fence of thi' colony. William Woodford, who had served meritoriously in the French and Indian war, was appointed to the command of the second regiment. Troops were rapidly recruited. [20th of September.] Col. Henry selected an encampment in the rear of the College of William & Mary. [October 22nd, 1775.] Died suddenly of an apoplexy, at Philadelphia, Peyton Ran- dolph, t aged 52 years. Descended from an * [June 26th, 177") ] Mr. Jefferson was ad. led to a com- mittee of congress, appointed to draw up a declaration of the causes of taking up arms. He prepared a declaration, but it proving too strong foi Mr. Dickinson, ol Pennsylva- nia, he v\as indulged in preparing a far tamer statement, which was howi ver accepted by Congress. " The disgust ugainst its humility was general, and Mr. Dickinson's de light at its passage, was the only circumstance which re- conciled them to it. The vote being passed, although fur- ther observation on it. was out of order, he could nol refrain from rising a "I expressing Ins satisfaction, and concluded by saying, ; there is but one word, Mr. President, in the paper, which I disapprove, and that is the word C On which Ben Harrisonro.se and said, ' there is but one word in the paper, Mr. President, of which I approve, and that is the word Congress.'" 1. Writings of JelFers p.9. t The progenitor of the Randolphs ol Virginia, was William of Yorkshire, England, who settled at Turkey 152 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXXIII. ancient, wealthy and influential family, he was the second son of Sir John Randolph, knight, and Susan Beverley, his wife. Pey- ton Randolph being bred to the law was, [1756,] appointed King's Attorney for the colony of Virginia, and held that office for many years. [1766.] He was elected speak- er of the House of Burgesses, and [1773] a member of the committee of correspondence. [March 20th, 1774.] He was unanimously chosen President of the first Convention of Virginia, which met at Williamsburg. August 11th of the same year, he was appointed by the Convention one of the delegates to the Congress, which assembled at Philadelphia, [Sept. 4, 1774,] and was unanimously elected President of that august body. Dunmore in the mean time, joined by a Island, on the James river. He was i nephew of Thomas Randolph, the Poet. William married Mary fsham, of Bermuda Hundred. Several of their sons were men of distinction: William was a member of the Council and Treasurer of the Colony. Ishain was a member of the House of Burgesses, from Goochland, 1740, and Adjutant General of the Colony. Richard was a member of the House of Burgesses, 1740, for Henrico, and succeeded Ins brother as Treasurer. Sir John was Speaker of the House of Burgesses and Attorney General. Peter, son of the 2nd William Randolph, was Clerk ol the House of Burgesses and Attorney General. Peyton, brother of John, was Speaker of the House of Burgesses and President of the first Congress held at Philadelphia Thomas Maun Randolph, great grandson of William, ol Turkey Island, was a member of the Virginia Convention, 1775, from Goochland. Beverley Randolph was member of Assembly, from Cumberland, during the revolution, and member of the Convention that framed the Federal Con- stitution and of the Virginia Convention that ratified it, Governor of the .Stale of Virginia and Secretary of State of the United Slates. Robert Randolph, son of Peter; Richard Randolph, grandson of Peter, and David Meade Randolph, sons of the 2nd Richard, were cavalry officers in the war of the Revolution. David Meade Randolph was Marshal of Virginia. John Randolph, of Roanoke, was grandson of the 1st Richard. Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr. was member ol Congress, ol the Virginia Legislature and Governor ol the Stale. Richard Bland, Thomas Jefferson Theodorick Bland, Jr., Richard Henry, Arthur and Francis Lightfoot Lee, William Stith the Historian, ami Thomas Marshall, lather of the Chief Justice, were all descended from Randolph of Turkey Island. Jane Boiling, great-grand-daughter of Pocahontas, mar- ried Richard Randolph, ol Curies. John Randolph, S,.. of Roanoke, 7th child of thai mam, me, married Frances Bland, and John Randolph, ol Roanoke, was one of the children of this union. The members ol the numerous family of tic Randolphs, in several instances, adopted tin- names ol their seats for the purpose of distinction, as Thomas, of Tuokahoe; [sham, of Dungeness ; Richard, ol Curies; John, of Roanoke. The following were seats of the Randolphs on the James river: Tuckahoe, Chatsworth, Wikon, Varina, Curies, Bremo, Turkey Island. The cresi "I the aims of the Vir- ginia Randolphs is an antelope's head. motley band of loyalists, negroes and recruits . from St. Augustine, in Florida, collected a naval force and carried on a predatory war- fare. At length a sloop, in the king's ser- vice, commanded by a Captain Squires, hap- pening to be wrecked near Hampton, was destroyed by lite inhabitants. Dunmore threatened to burn the town in retaliation. Notice of his design being sent to Williams- burg, a party despatched to their assistance, under Colonel Woodford, obliged the assail- ants to retreat to their vessels with some loss. Dunmore, [November 7th, 1775,] proclaimed martial law, summoned all persons capable of bearing arms to his standard, on penalty of being proclaimed traitors, and offered par- don to all servants and slaves who should join him. His lordship had now the ascen- dency in the country around Norfolk. The committee of safety despatched Woodford with his regiment, and two hundred minute- men, amounting in all to eight hundred men, to cross the James, at Sandy point, and go in pursuit of Dunmore. Col. Henry had been desirous to be employed in this service and it was said, solicited it, but the committee of safety refused. Henry's chagrin was aggra- vated by Woodford's declining, while detach- ed, to acknowledge his superiority in com- mand. The committee sustained Woodford in this insubordination and thus reversed the convention's ordinance and in effect degra- ded Henry, the officer of their fust choice. Envy was at the bottom of these proceed- ings. New mortifications awaited the man of the people. Woodford approached the earl of Dunmore and found that he had en- trenched himself on the north side of the Elizabeth river, at the Great Bridge. Here he had erected a small lorl, on an oasis sur- rounded by a morass, accessible on cither side only by a long causeway. Woodford encamped within cannon-shot of this post, in a village al the south end of the causeway, across which hi' threw up a breast-work. But being destitute of artillery, he was unable! to attack the fort. After a few days, Dunmore, hearing by a servant lad who had deserted from Woodford's camp, thai lus force did not exceed three hundred men, mustered his whole strength and despatched them in the night to the fort, with orders to force the breast-works early next morning, or die in the attempt. 1774-76.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 153 [December 9th, 1775.] A -little before sunrise, Captain Fordyce, at the head of sixty grenadiers of the fourteenth regiment, who, six abreast, led the column, advanced along the causeway. The alarm being given in Woodford's camp, a small guard at the breast-works began the fire ; others hastened from their tents and regardless of order kept up a heavy fire on the head of the British column. Fordyce though received so warm- ly in front, and flanked by a party posted on a rising ground to his right, rallied his men and marched up to within twenty yards of the breast-work, when he fell pierced with many bullets. His followers now retreated, galled by the fire of a handful of riflemen under Colonel Stevens, but being covered by the artillery of Dunmore'a fort, they were nol pursued. Every British grenadier was killed, and the whole number of the enemy's killed and wounded, amounted to about one hun- dred. Four officers were killed and one wounded and made prisoner. Woodford's troops suffered no loss. * This was the first scene of revolutionary bloodshed in Virginia. On the night following this action, the roy- alists evacuated their fort, and lord Dunmore took refuge on board of one of his vessels. Col. Howe, with five or six hundred North Carolina troops, now joined Woodford and assumed command of all the provincials at the Great Bridge. Col. Henry now saw Woodford, who had refused to acknowledge his command, submitting himself to an officer of no higher rank and of another colony. The provincials under Howe took posses- sion of Norfolk. Dunmore's fleet being now distressed for provisions, upon the arrival of the Liverpool man-of-war from England, a flag was sent on shore to enquire whether the inhabitants would supply his majesty's ship. Being answered in the negative and the ships in the harbor being continually an- noyed by a fire from the quarter of the town lying next the water, Dunmore determined to dislodge the assailants by burning it. Previous notice having been given to the in- habitants, [January 1st 1776,] a party of sail- ors and marines landed and sst fire to the * Marshall's Life of Washington, vol. 1. \>[>. 68 69. Tins author was with Woodford in tins expediiion. Bark, vol. 4, p. 80. The Bland Papers, vol. 1, pp. :iS-:i!). Riuhaid Kidder Meade, father of Right Rev. William Meade, svaa present at the affair of the Great Bridge. nearest houses. The party was covered by a heavy cannonade from the Liverpool fri- gate, two sloo[)s of war and the governor's armed ship, the Dunmore. A tew were killed and wounded on both sides. A print- ing press had been removed from Norfolk some time before this, on board the govern- or's ship, and according to his bulletin, pub- lished after this affair, it was only intended to destroy that part of the*>town next the water. The provincials, however, strongly prejudiced against the place, made no at- tempts to arrest the flames as they spread from house to house. After four-fifths of the town were destroyed, Col. Howe, who had waited on the convention to urge the necessity of completing the destruction, re- turned with orders to that effect, which were immediately carried into execution. Thus fell the most populous and flourishing town in Virginia. Its rental, [177o,] amounted to $41,000 and the total loss was estimated at $1,300,000. Dunmore continued to carry on a predato- ry warfare on the rivers, burning houses and plundering plantations. The convention having raised six additional regiments, Con- gress doubtless misled by the machinations of a cabal, agreed to take the six new regi- ments of Virginia on continental establish- ment, thus passing by the two first, so as to exclude Colonel Henry from the chief com- mand, to which he was best entitled. The convention, however, interfering, the two older regiments were admitted into the con- tinental line ; but here again unrelenting envy procured commissions of brigadier gen- eral lor Colonel Howe and Colonel An- drew Lewis. Colonel Henry now declined the commission tendered him by Congress and resigned that which be held under tin 1 convention. Ill treatment drove him, as it had driven Washington, from the army. The troops encamped at Williamsburg knew how to appreciate their loss; they immediately went into mourning and being under arms waited on him at his lodgings. In their ad- dress they deplored his withdrawal, which deprived them at once of a father and a com- mander, but applauded his just resentment at a glaring indignity. Henry closed bis reply in these words: — " I am unhappy to part with you. ' May God bless you and give you success and safety and make you the 20 154 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXXIII. glorious instrument of saving our country." Henry dined on that day with the officers at the Raleigh tavern and in the afternoon they proposed to escort him out of town. The soldiers, however, now assembled tumult- ously and unwilling to serve under any other commander, demanded their discharge. Col. Henry, therefore, found it necessary to re- main a night longer in Williamsburg and visiting the barracks in company of Colo- nel Christian and other officers, he employ- ed his eloquence in allaying the commo- tions which had arisen. Love and admira- tion for Henry pervaded the whole army and the great body of the people. In March he was addressed by ninety officers at Kemp's Landing, at Suffolk and at Williamsburg, upon the indignity offered him, whose elo- quence had first taught them to resent op- pression and whose resolution had first led them forward to resist it. This indignity they attributed to envy. It seemed to them indeed an effort to fetter and retard in his upward flight the republican eagle, whose adventurous wing had launched into the storm, while others sate crouching in their nests mute and thunderstruck. Immediate- ly upon his return to Hanover, Mr. Henry was returned a delegate to the Convention. This body assembled inthecapitol at Williamsburcr, [6th of May, 1776.] Edmund Pendleton was elected president. This eminent man, born in Caroline county, [1741,] had over- come the disadvantages of a defective edu- cation by study and good company. In person he was spare, his countenance no- ble. With a vigorous judgment he united indefatigable application and thus became a profound lawyer and consummate states- man. A zealous churchman, he never lost his veneration for the hierarchy. His man- ners were graceful and dignified. As a speaker he was distinguished by a melodi- ous voice, a distinct elocution, fluency, vigor, urbanity and simplicity. * May 15th the convention unanimously adopted resolutions instructing the Virginia delegates in Congress to propo.se to thai body to "declare the United Colonies free and independent States." On the next day a feu de joie was fired and the Union flag of the American States waved from the capitol. * Wirt's Life "I Henrj June 12th, the Bill of Rights prepared by Mr. Jefferson, (who was at this time in Phil- adelphia,) was adopted and on the 29th, a constitution, mainly composed by George Mason. This gentleman, the author of the first written constitution in the world, was pre-eminent for his enlarged views, profound wisdom, extensive information and the pure simplicity of his republican principles. As a speaker he was earnest and impressive, but devoid of all rhetorical grace. Patrick Henry, Jr., was elected the first republican governor of Virginia, he receiv- ing 60 votes and Thomas Nelson 45. The / salary was fixed at .£1000 per annum. The first council appointed under the constitu- tion consisted of John Page, Dudley Digges, John Tayloe, John Blair, Benjamin Harri- son of Berkeley, Bartholomew Dandridge, Thomas Nelson and Charles Carter of Shir- ley. Mr. Nelson on account of his infirm old age declining the appointment, his place was supplied by Benjamin Harrison of Bran- don. [7th of June, 1776,] a resolution in favor of a total and immediate separation from Great Britain was moved in Congress by Richard Henry Lee * and seconded by John Adams. [June 28th, j a committee was appointed to prepare a declaration of independence. The members of the com- mittee were Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Robert R. Livings- ton. Richard Henry Lee, the mover of the resolution, had been compelled by the ill- ness of Mrs. Lee to leave Congress on the day of the appointment of the committee. Mr. Lee's place was filled by Roger Sher- man. The declaration of independence was adopted, [4th of July, 1776.] It was com- posed mainly by Mr. Jefferson, t The Vir- I ginia delegates who subscribed it were George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nel- son, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee and Carter Braxton. Thomas Nelson, Jr., \ son of Hon. Wil- * 1 Writings of 'Jefferson, p. 10. \ See copy ol original draught of the Declaration, lb., pp. 16-22 and lac simile of I tie MS. appended to vol. -1. ( There is preserved .it Shelly, in Gloucester county, Virginia, seat ol Mrs. Mann Page, a daughter of General Nelson, a fine portrait of him, taken while he was a stu- dent iit Eton, by an artist named'Chamherlin, London, 1754. I "as informed by Mis. Page that her father never afterwards would consent to sit again for a portrait and that 1774-76. HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 155 liam Nelson, sometime President of the Council of Virginia, was born at York, De- cember 26, 1738. At the age of fifteen he was sent to England to be educated. [1774.] He entered upon public life in Virginia as a member of the House of Burgesses. He was a member of the conventions of 1774 and 1775, and displayed extraordinary bold- ness in opposing the British tyranny. He was afterwards appointed Colonel of a Vir- ginia regiment. In 1775 and 1776 he was a member of Congress. In the summer of 1777 ill health obliged him to resign his seat and return to Virginia. Here he was short- ly after appointed Brigadier General and Commander-in-chief of all the military for- ces of the State. His popularity was now unbounded. When a motion was made to sequester the debts due to British merchants, he opposed it with manly firmness. When the American cause seemed about to be overwhelmed, and Congress made an appeal to young men of property and influence, Gen. Nelson issued an animated address and succeeded in enlisting about seventy young Virginians in a volunteer corps and furnish- ed a number of them from his own purse. [1779.] He was for a short time in Congress, when ill health again caused him to return to Virginia. [1780.] When Virginia under- when Col. Trumbull was engaged in his piece, " The Sign- ers of the Declaration of Independence," intended for the rotunda of the Capitol ;tt Washington, Chamberlin's por- trait was forwarded to Trumbull, but it nol answering his purpose, being too youthful, he copied from Thomas Nel- son, son of the General, and said to be very like him. Mrs. Page mentioned to me us among the earliest recollec- tions of her childhood, her having seen Lord and Lad) Dunmore at the palace in Williamsburg. She remembered too that in 1776 she was taken into the State House in Philadelphia by the Hon. John Perm. Dunn;; the revolu- tionary war she accompanied her mother from Vorktown to the county ot Hanover, to avoid the enemy. The house at Offley, a plantation belonging to General Nelson, bei ; too small for the accommodation of his family, it. was found necessary to build an additional room, ami in the interim they occupied a housp, the property of Patrick Henry, at Scotch-town, and Mrs l\ saw him there. She was at school with two of Ins daughters. Thus far the remmis- ( ences of this venerable lady. The first ol the Nelsons of Virginia was Thomas, son of Hugh and Sarah Nelson, ol Penrnh, Cumberland count) , England. He was born February 20, 1677, and died ( Icto- her 7, 17 15, aged 63. Coining from a border county, which had formerly belonged to Scotland, he was styled " Scotch Tom." lie was an importing merchant and Vorktown was in Ins day and lor a long time I he sea-port tow n ol Vir- ginia. He was falhei ol I u lion. William Ni Ison, (Prcsi dent,) and Thomas Nelson, (Secretary) took to raise two millions of dollars in aid of Congress, General Nelson raised a huge sum by pledging his own property as security. By this magnanimous course he brought upon himself enormous losses. [1781.] When Virginia was invaded, Gen. Nelson was employed in endeavoring to oppose the enemy. In a period of great public distress he succeeded Mr. Jefferson in the office of Governor. In providing troops and stores for the siege of York, Governor Nelson dis- played the greatest patriotism and energy. He was present in command of the Virgin- ia militia at the siege and received from Washington an acknowledgment of his val- uable services. This generous patriot, how- ever, did not escape the shafts of slander, and his noble efforts in the cause of his country subjected him to ingratitude and un- merited reproach. Benjamin Harrison, Jr., of Berkeley, was descended from ancestors who were among the early settlers of Virginia. His father was of the same name, his mother a daughter of Robert, (called King) Car- ter of Corotoman. Benjamin Harrison,' Jr., was educated at the College of Wil- liam and Mary. Long a member of the House of Burgesses for the county of Charles City, [Nov. 14, 1764,] he was one of a com- mittee chosen to prepare an address to the king, a memorial to the House of Lords and a remonstrance to the House of Commons, in opposition to the Stamp Act. [1774.] He was a delegate from Virginia to the first Continental Congress, of which his brother- in-law, Peyton Randolph, * was President. [June 10th, 1776. J As Chairman of the com- mittee of the whole House, Mr. Harrison in- troduced the resolution declaring the inde- pendence of the colonies, and on the 4th of July he reported the Declaration of Inde- pendence, of which he was one of the sign- ers. He was four times returned a delegate to Congress from Virginia. After the expi- ration of his term of service in that body, he was elected Speaker of the Virginia House of Burgesses, which office he held until 1782, when he was chosen Governor of the State, t * Hi- married Elizabeth Harrison. t The common ancestor ol the Harrisons ol Berkley and of Brandon was Benjamin Harrison ol Surrey. lie was born in that county 1645 and died 1712. It was long believed by the Harrisons of \ irginia, that they ware line- al:)' descendi d from the eelebrau d ( !ol. John Harrison, the friend oi Cromwell and one ol the regicides. This opai- 156 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXXIIL George Wythe was born, [1726,] in Eliza- beth City county, Virginia, on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. His father was a pru- dent farmer of estimable character. George Wythe enjoyed but limited advantages of school education and his early tuition was principally directed by his mother, and it is related that he acquired a knowledge of the Latin classics from her instructions. * Mr. Jefferson mentions that while young Wythe was studying the Greek Testament, his moth- er held an English one to aid him in the translation, f By dint of application and this maternal assistance, he came to be at ion, however, appears to be erroneous. The first of the family in Virginia was Lhe Hon. Benjamin Harrison, a member of the council in Virginia, lie lies buried in the yard of an old church, near Cabin Point, in t lie county ol Surrey. The following is his epitaph : — "Here lyeth the Body of the Hon. Benjamin Harrison, Esqe, who did Justice, loved Mercy, ami walked humbly with Ins God; was always loyall to his Prince and a great Benefactor to his Country, lie was burn in this Parish, the 20th day ol September, 1C45, and departed this Life the 30th day ol January, 1712-13." It is certain that this Benjamin Har- rison, born in Southwark parish, Surrey, Virginia, in 1645, during the civil war in England, could not be the son of Col. Harrison, the regicide.) He may, however, have been a collateral relation. That this Benjamin Harrison, of Surrey, was the first of the family m Virginia, is confirmed by some ancient wills slill preserved. He had three sous, of whom Benjamin, the eldest, settled at Berkley. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Louis Bnrwellof Glouces- ter, and was an eminent lawyer and sometime Speaker of the House of Burgesses. He died in April. 1710, aged 37, leaving an only son Benjamin and an only daughter Eliza- beth. The son Benjamin married a daughter of Robert, (called King) ailer of Corotoiuan, in lhe county of Lan- caster. Two daughters of this union were killed by the same (lash of lightning at Berkley. Another daughter married — Randolph ol Wilton. The sons of this Ben- jamin Harrison, and Caller his v> lie, ware Benjamin, signer of the Declaration of Independence ; Charles, a gen- eral of the Revolution; Nathaniel, Henry, Colin ami Car- ter H. From the last mentioned, are descended the Harri- sons of Cumberland. Benjamin Harrison, Jr., of Berk- Icy, the signer, man led a Miss Basset. Their children w ere Benjamin, Carter B., sometime member of Congress, and W illiam Henry, President of the United States, onedaught- er who married Randolph, ami another, who married ■ Copeland. So far the Berkley branch of the Harrisons. The second son ol Benjamin Harrison ol Surrey, first of the family in Virginia, was Nathaniel. His eldest son was named Nathaniel, ami hisoulyson was Benjamin Har- rison, ol Brandon, one ol the council of Virginia, at the same tune with Benjamin Harrison, Ji , of Berkley, about the commencement of the Revolution. This Benjamin Harrison ol Brandon was falherof the present William B. Harrison, Esq., ol Brandon, to whom 1 am indebted foi most, of the foregoing particulars, relative to his ancient and eminent family. See 8 Hening, pp. CC and 174. * Win's Life of Patrick Henry, p. 65. This lad was communicated to Mr. Wirt by Judge Nelson, a relation of Mr. Wythe. t Writings of Jefferson, vol. 1, p. 92. length the most accomplished Latin and Greek scholar in Virginia. He pursued other stu- dies with a like success. His parents dying before he became of age and his father leav- ing him a competent fortune, he fell into idleness and dissipation. At the age of thirty, however he abandoned that course of life and devoted himself with unremitted in- dustry to the study of the law under Mr. John Lewis. Mr. Wythe in after life often deplored the loss of so many golden years of his early life. His learning, judgment, in- dustry and eloquence soon raised him to em- inence at a bar adorned by men of learning, ability and dignity. Early elected a mem- ber of the house of burgesses, he continued a member of it until the revolution. At the dawn of that event, Mr. Wythe in common with his pupil, Thomas Jefferson, and the venerable Richard Bland, assumed the bold ground, that the Crown was the only con- necting link between the Colonies and Great Britain. [Nov. 14th, 1164,] Mr. Wythe was a member of a committee of the house of burgesses appointed to prepare a Petition to the king, a Memorial to the Lords and a Remonstrance to the Commons on the sub- ject of the Stamp Act. He prepared the Remonstrance in conformity with his radical principles. It was, however, greatly modi- lied by the Assembly before assenting to it. [May, 1765,] Mr. Wythe in common with Nicholas, Pendleton, Randolph and Bland, opposed Patrick Henry's celebrated Resolu- tions as premature. Early in 1775, Mr. Wythe joined a corps of volunteers, but in August of that year became a member of Con- gress. [1776.] He signed the Declaration of Independence, which he had strenuously sup- ported in debate. He was twice married, first to a Miss Lewis, daughter of the gen- tleman under whom he had studied law ; second to a Miss Taliaferro. * He died childless. Mr. Wythe was distinguished for his integrity, justice, patriotism, ardent love of liberty and a singular disinterestedness. Temperance and regular habits gave him g I health, sweet and modest manners en- deared him to every one. His elocution was easy, Ins language chaste, his arrange- ment lucid. Learned, urbane, logical, he was not quick, but solid and profound. He ♦ Taliaferro, (pronounced Tollivcr,) originally an Ital- ian family, Tagliuferro. 2 Writingsof Jefferson, pp. 44-229, 1774-76.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 157 was of the middle size, well-formed, his face manly and engaging. * Richard Henry Leewas born at Stratford, on the banks of the Potomac, January 20th, 1732. His father was Thomas Lee ; his mother a daughter of Colonel Ludwell of Greenspring. t * 1 Writings of Jefferson, pp. 92-94. Sanderson's Bi- ography of the Signers, vol. 2, pp. 1C0-184. t Life of Richard Henry Lee, by his grandson of the same name, vol. 1, pp. 5-7. Richard Lee, first of the fami- ly in Virginia, great grandfather of Richard Henry, a cava- lier, emigrated from England to Virginia during the civil commotions in the tune of Charles I., and making sever. d voyages to the mother country, brought over with him a num- ber of followers, each of whom received a portion of land in the colony, under the title of " head-rights." He probably settled at first in York, for he appears as a burgess of that county, [1647,] 1 Heiung, p. 339. Henry Lee was a bur- gess of the same county, [1652,] lb., p. 370. Richard Lee finally ?. 17- ID i Life of It. 11. Lee. Vol. 1., jjp. 31, 10-12. and the memorial to the commons. His accomplishments, learning, courtesy, pat- riotism, republican principles, decision of character and eloquence, commanded the at- tention of the legislature. Although a mem- ber at the time of the introduction of Pat- rick Henry's Resolutions, [1765,] Mr. Lee happened not to be present at the discussion, but he heartily concurred in their adoption. Shortly after the passage of those Resolutions Mr. Lee organized an association in West- moreland in furtherance of them. [1767.] He vigorously opposed the Act laying a duty on Tea and that for quartering British troops in the Colonies. He was now residing at Chantilly, * his seat on the Potomac, in West- moreland. [25th July, 1768.] In a letter to John Dickinson of Pennsylvania, Mr. Lee suggested, " that not only select committees should be appointed by all the colonies, but that a private correspondence should be con- ducted between the lovers of liberty in every province."! [1773.] The Virginia Assem- bly, (about the same time with that of Mas- sachusetts Bay,) appointed a committee of correspondence, consisting of six members, of whom Mr. Lee was one. t [1774.] Mr. Lee was a delegate from Virginia in the Con- gress that met at Philadelphia. Patrick Henry, the first who spoke in that body, was followed by Richard Henry Lee. Mr. Lee was an ac- tive and laborious member of all the leading committees, and he draughted the memorial to the people of British America. § [1775.] Returned again from Westmoreland to the Virginia Assembly; that body elected him a delegate to the second congress. When Washington was chosen commander-in-chief, Richard Henry Lee as chairman of the com- mittee, appointed for the occasion, prepared the commission and instructions. He served also on several other important committees and prepared tin- second address to the peo- ple of (heal Britain. || [May 17, 1776.] The Convention of Virginia passed resolutions instructing her delegates in congress to pro- pose to that body to declare the colonies iVcc * A few miles below Stralford. The house at Chantilly is now in ruins. t lh. p. G5. | l!i. 63. The suggestion was, however, claimed by Mr. Jefferson. § This masterly document is to be found in the Life of R. li. Lee. Vol. I , up. 119-133. II lb. 143-153. 1 1774-76.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 159 and independent. When those instructions were received at Philadelphia, the Virginia delegation appointed Mr. Lee to bring for- ward resolutions to that effect. He accord- ingly, June 7th, made that motion, which was seconded by John Adams. June 10th, Mr. Lee received, by express from Virginia, iniel- liorence of the dangerous illness of his wile. He therefore left Philadelphia on the 11th, the day on which a committee was appointed to draught a Declaration of independence. Had he remained he would have been chair- man of that committee, and would have been the author of the Declaration of Indepen-i dence. Shortly after the adoption of the Declaration, [July 8th, J Mr. Jefferson en- closed to Mr. Lee, in Virginia, the original ! draught, and also a copy of the Declaration as adopted by Congress. In August Mr. Lee . resumed his seat in congress. Richard Henry Lee was in person tall and well proportioned, his features bold and expressive, nose aqui- line, the contour of his face noble. He had lost, by an accident, the use of one of his hands, and was sometimes styled "the gen- j tleman of the silver hand;" this hand he kept covered with a black silk bandage, but leaving his thumb free. Notwithstanding this disadvantage his gesture was pre-emi- nently graceful. His voice was melodious, his elocution Ciceronian, his diction elegant, copious, easy. His eloquence flowed on in tranquil magnificence like the stream of his own Potomac, reflecting in its course the beautiful forms of nature. * Mr. Lee was a member of the Episcopal church. Francis Lightfoot Lee, brother of Richard Henry, was born, [October 14, 1734.] He was educated under a private tutor and in- herited an independent fortune. [1765.] He became a member of the Virginia house of burgesses, and continued in that body until 1775, when the convention of Virginia re- turned him a member of Congress, in which he remained until 1779, when he re-entered the Assembly of Virginia, t Carter Braxton was born at Newington, on the Matapony, in King and Queen county, Va., [Sept. 10th, 1736.] His father, George Braxton, a wealthy planter, married Mary, daughter of Robert Carter, of the council, and, * Wirt's Life of Patrick Henry, p. 08. Life of R. H. Lee, vol. 1, pp. 219 250. t Encyclopaedia Americana. [1748,] represented the county of King and Queen, being colleague of John, (known as speaker,) Robinson. Carter Braxton was educated at the college of William & Mary. Inheriting in his youth, upon his father's death, a large estate, at the age of nineteen he married Judith, daughter of Christopher Robinson, of Middlesex. She dying, [1757,] Mr. Braxton visited England, where he re- mained for several years* and returned [1760.] [1761.] He married Elizabeth, eldest daugh- ter of Richard Corbin, of Laneville. During his first marriage, he built an elegant man- sion at Elsin Green, on the Pamunkey, and afterwards another at Chericoke, on the same river. He lived in a style of generous and i costly hospitality, according to the fashion of 'that day. [1761.] He was a member of the House of Burgesses from the county of King William, and took an active part in the ses- sion of 1765.1 [1769.] He was a dele- gate in the assembly from the same county and was a signer of the non-importation agreement. He was a member of the Vir- jginia convention, [1774.] [1775.] When Patrick Henry, at the head of 150 volun- teers, had advanced to Doncastle's, within 16 miles of Williamsburg, for the purpose of recovering the gunpowder, removed by Lord Dunmore, Mr. Braxton repaired to Henry's head-quarters and interposed his efforts to prevent extremities. Finding that Henry would not disband without receiving the pow- der or compensation for it, Mr. Braxton re- turned to Williamsburg and procured from his father-in-law, Corbin, the deputy receiver general, the amount demanded, and deliver- ing it to Henry, succeeded in warding off the threatened blow. In this pacific course Mr. Braxton coincided with the moderate councils of Pendleton, Nicholas and Peyton Randolph. In this year Mr. Braxton was an active member ofthe assembly and of the con- vention that met al Richmond. He was one of the committee of safety. [Dec. 15.] He was elected a delegate to congress in the place of Peyton Randolph, and he was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. [June 1776.] The convention having reduced the number of delegates in Congress from seven to five, * A diary which he kept during this period is still pre- set veil by his descendants. f His colleague was Bernard Moore of Chelsea, son-in- law of Gov. Spots wood. 160 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXXIV. ) Mr. Harrison and Mr. Braxton were not re- elected. According to Girardin, * " Mr. Braxton's Address on Government was not uni- versally relished and his popularity had been in some degree impaired by persons whose po- litical indiscretions, though beyond his con- trol, fatally re-acted against him." He was, however, about this time returned by the county of King William a member of the convention, and if he had fallen under a cloud of suspicion, it appears to have been soon dispersed, for, [Oct. 12th, 1776,] the thanks of the convention were unanimously return- ed to Thomas Jefferson and Carter Braxton, for their ability, diligence, and integrity, as delegates in Congress, t CHAPTER XXXIV. 1776—1781. Dunmore; Miscellaneous Affairs; Clarke Captures St. Vincennes ; The Convention Troops ; Arrival of British Squadron in Hampton Roads; Suffolk Burnt; Battle of King's Mountain; Arnold Invades Virginia; Arrival of Phillips ; Petersburg taken ; Devastations of the Enemy ; Phillips proceeds down James River; Returns to Pe- tersburg; His Death; Succeeded by Arnold; Suncoe. Dunmore, pressed for provisions, burnt his intrenchments near the ruins of Norfolk and sought refuge on board of his fleet. Major General Charles Lee took energetic measures for curbing the disaffected in the lower coun- try. His orders were carried into effect by Col. Woodford, who, in this affair, displayed vigor tempered with humanity. Dunmore, with his fleet left Hampton Roads about the first of June and intrenched himself on Gvvynn's island, in the Chesapeake Bay, to the East of Matthews county. [July 9thJ he was attacked by a party of Virginians under Brigadier General Andrew Lewis and forced to abandon the island. Shortly afterwards despatching the remnant of his followers to Florida and the West Indies, he retired to the North and thence returned to England, where he continued to exhibit himself an active, un- tiring opponent of A merica. [July 3, 1775.] Washington assumed the * Sec Burk's History of Virginia. + Biography of Signers of Declaration of Independence. Vol. vi, pp. 177-207. command of the American army, consisting of 14,500 men, encamped near Boston, and made his head-quarters at Cambridge. The British army, blocked up on the land side re- mained inactive in Boston until March, when Sir William Howe, who had succeeded Gen- eral Gage, evacuated that city and sailed for Halifax. In the meantime Canada being in- vaded and Montgomery having reduced St. Johns, Fort Chamblee and Montreal, united his force with that under Arnold and fell in a gallant but unsuccessful attack upon Que- bec. Reinforcements of American troops were sent to Canada, but owing to their in- sufficiency in number and in discipline, the rigOr of the climate and the activity of Gen- eral Carleton, the British commander, the ex- pedition proved fruitless, and it was found ne- cessary to evacuate that country. Upon the evacuation of Boston the Ameri- can army proceeded to New York. Early in July, 1776, Sir William Howe with his army landed on Staten Island. The command of the fleet was under Lord Howe, brother of Sir William, and these two were constituted commissioners for restoring peace. The British army being re-inforced, in August amounted to 24,000 men. The American army numbered 27,000, of whom, however, many were undisciplined and a fourth part sick. [August 27.] In the battle of Long Island, the American army, inferior in num- ber to the British, and without cavalry, was defeated with a heavy loss, variously esti- mated. Among the prisoners was General Sullivan. The British loss was not inconsid- erable. From the commencement of the battle on the morning of the 27th till the morning of the 29th Washington inner slept, and was almost constantly on horseback, 'fhe disastrous result of this action cast a gloom over the cause of independence and damped the ardor of the American troops. The militia, in large numbers, quit the camp and went home, insubordination prevailed and Washington was obliged to confess his " want of confidence in the generality of the troops." He urged upon Congress the ne- cessity of a permanent army. [September 15, 1776.] Washington was compelled to evacuate New York with the loss of all his heavy artillery and a large part of his stores. General Howe took possession of the city.* » 1. Marshall's Life of Washington, pp. 81-103. 1776-81.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 161 In a skirmish, on Haerlem Heights, a de- tachment of the third Virginia regiment, (which had arrived on the preceding day,) formed the advanced party in the attack. Major Leitch, while intrepidly leading them on, fell mortally wounded. In accordance with Washington's solicitation, congress took some measures to put the army on a better footing. Washington to obviate the move- ments of the enemy, moved his army up the North River. [October 25, 1776, J occurred the battle of White Plains, warmly contested with equal loss and without conclusive re- sult. [Nov. 16th.] Fort Washington was stormed by the British, and the garrison, con- sisting of upwards of 2,600 men, were made prisoners. The loss of the enemy was 800. Early in December, Washington finding bis army reduced to 4000 men, retreated across Jersey. Upon reaching the Delaware, his number was reduced to 3000, badly armed, half naked and destitute of supplies. They ' were followed by a British army, numerous, well-appointed, and victorious. Gen. Charles Lee was surprised and made prisoner. The spirit of disa flection, prevailing in the coun- try, was added to render the American cause still more hopeless. This was a dark period of the Revolution. [Dec. 20, 1776.] Wash- ington's army, on the west bank of the Dela- ware, increased by re-inforcements, amount- ed to 7000 effectives. In a few days, how- ever, all of them, except about 1,500 men, were about to be dissolved. In the gloom that overspread the country, Washington became convinced that some bold enterprise was ne- cessary, and he resolved to strike at the posts of the enemy, who had retired into winter quarters. Crossing the Delaware in a night of extreme cold, he surprised a body of Hes- sians at Trenton, on the morning of the 26th, and made 1,000 prisoners. Lieut. Monroe, afterwards President of the United States, was wounded in this affair. Lieut. Colonel Baylor, of Virginia, Washington's aid, car- rying the intelligence of this success to Con- gress, was presented with a horse caparisoned forservice and was recommended for promo- tion. At Princeton, another corps was routed with heavy loss, but the joy of the Ameri- cans was mingled with grief for the loss of the brave and virtuous General Mercer. During this year died Richard Bland, a man of extraordinary intellectual calibre, of a finished education, and of indefatigable habits of application. Thoroughly versed in the charters, laws and history of the colony, he was styled the Virginia Antiquary. He was a politician of the first rank, a profound logician and the first writer in the colony. His letter to the clergy of Virginia, published 1760, and that on the rights of the colonies, published 1766, are monuments of his pat- riotism, his learning, and of the vigor of his understanding. In debate he was an un- graceful speaker. * It is said that he was pronounced by Mr. Jefferson "the wisest man south of the James river." He resided at Jordan's Point, his seat on James river, in the county of Prince George. His portrait and that of his wife were mutilated by British soldiers during the revolutionary war. The Cherokees, instigated by the English, having made bloody incursions on the fron- tier of Virginia, Col. Christian marching with a body of troops burnt their towns and compelled them to sue for peace. [October 7th, 1776,] the Assembly of Virginia met for the first time since the commencement of the Revolution. Edmund Pendleton was chosen Speaker of the house of delegates and Ar- chibald Carey of the Senate. The Presby- tery of Hanover presented to the Assembly a Memorial praying that religious freedom should be secured to dissenters. The Me- morialists pledged themselves that nothing in their power should be wanting to give success to the common cause. In the fron- tier counties, containing one fifth of the in- habitants of Virginia, the dissenters, who constituted almost the entire population, were yet obliged to contribute to the sup- * Wirt's Life of Patrick Henry, p. 64. The Blandsof Va. derive their name from Bland a place in Westmoreland or Cumberland, England. William de Bland flourished in the reign of Edward III., and did «ood service in the wars, which that king carried on in France, in company ol John, of Gaunt, Earl of Richmond Thomas de Bland obtained a pardon from Richard II., for the death ol a person shun in a duel, by the intercession ol Ins Iriend, the Duke of Guyenne and Lancaster, (ides island, collector of the customs for James river, a partisan ol Bacon, vi a^ executed during the rebellion. Edmund Bland, a merchant in Spain, [1643,] removed to Virginia, and settled at Kimages, in Charles Cily county. Theodorick Bland, who sett led at Westover, [1654,] and Giles Bland, who was executed in the time ol Bacon's Rebellion, have been mentioned in a preceding part ol this work. This Theodorick left three sons, of whom the second was born al Berkley, [1665.] • ml wife was Elizabeth, daughter ol Colonel Wil- liam Randolph, ol Turkey Island, and then eldest son was Richard, afterwards member of the old congress. 21 162 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXXIV. port of the church as established. A con- siderable portion of the inhabitants of the other parts of the colony labored under the same disadvantage. " Certain it is, [say the Memorialists,] that every argument for civil liberty gains additional strength when ap- plied to liberty in the concerns of religion ; and there is no argument in favor of estab- lishing the Christian religion, but what may be pleaded with equal propriety for estab- lishing the tenets of Mahomed, by those who believe the Alcoran ; or if this be not true, it is at least impossible for the magis- trate to adjudge the right of preference among the various sects that profess the Christian faith, without erecting a chair of infallibility, which would lead us back to the church of Rome." Religious establish- ments, (they contended,) are injurious to the temporal interests of any community. The more early settlement of Virginia and her natural advantages would have attracted hith- er multitudes of industrious and useful mem- bers of society, but they had cither remained in their place of nativity, or preferred worse civil governments and a more barren soil, where they might enjoy the rights of con- science more fully. Nor did religion need the aid of an establishment. On the con- trary, as her weapons are spiritual, Christi- anity would flourish in the greatest purity when left to her native excellence, and the duty which we owe our Creator can only be directed by reason and conviction. The As- sembly passed an act exempting Dissenters from contributions for the support of the es- tablished church and submitting to the peo- ple the question whether a genera! assess- ment should be levied for the support of re- ligion. * Thomas Jefferson, Edmund Pendleton, George Wythe, George Mason and Thomas Ludwell Lee were appointed a committee to revise the State Laws. By the resignation of Mr. Mason and the death of Mr. Lee, the duty devolved on the other three. An act of great consequence, framed by Mr. Jeffer- son, for docking entails, was passed. The Virginia Assembly met, [May 5th, 1777.] George Wythe, pupil and friend of Jefferson, was made Speaker of the lower house. The * Evan, an.] Lit. Mag., v., I 9, pp . 30 33, The Hanover Presbytery in 11" present! '■ » Memorial against the As- sess mini . oath of allegiance was prescribed, a loan office established and acts passed to support the credit of the continental and state paper currency. Benjamin Harrison, George Ma- son, Joseph Jones, Francis Lightfoot Lee and John Harrison were elected delegates to Congress, Richard Henry Lee being left out. [June 5th.] On account of his health and for the purpose of meeting certain charges circulated against his character as a patriot, Mr. Lee returned home. Having recently been elected to the Assembly from West- more land, he repaired to Richmond and de- manded an enquiry into his public conduct. After a full investigation and a defence so graceful and so eloquent as to extort admi- ration even from his enemies, he was hon- orably acquitted and the thanks of the legis- lature were returned to him for his fidelity, zeal and patriotism, by the venerable Speak- er George Wythe. * [July, 1777.] Sir William Howe sailed from New York and entering the Chesa- peake Bay, proceeded up Elk river, where, [August 25th,] he landed his army consist- ing of 18,000 men. The American Army, numbering nearly 15,000 men, of whom, however, there were not more than 11,000 effectives, marched about the same time towards the Brandvwine. In the Battle of Brandy wine, which took place [September 11th, 1777,] Sir William Howe proved vic- torious. The action was sanguinary and the loss on both sides heavy. The Virginia brigades under Wayne and Weedon were among the troops that particularly distin- guished themselves. The 3rd Virginia regi- ment under command of the brave Colonel Marshall, (father of the Chief Justice,) suf- fered terribly, t Among the wounded were the Marquis de la Fayette and General Wood- ford. The enemy passed the night on the field of battle. September 26th the British * Life of Richard Henry Lee, pp. 192-196. 1 Bland pa- pers, pp. 5 t This regiment, which had performed extremely severe duly in tin' campaign of l??(i, was placed in a wood on the right, and m front ol Woodford's brigade ami Stephen's di- vision. Though attacked l>y much superior numbers, the 3rd Virginia legimenl maintained its position \\ ithoul losing an inch of ground, until both its flanks were turned, its ammunition nearly expended and more than half of the officers and one-third ol the soldiers were killed and wound- ed. Col. Marshall, whose horse had received two balls, then retired to resume ins position on the right of bis di- vision; hut it had already retreated. 1 Marshall's Wash- ing on. [•- 1 58. 1776-S1.J HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 163 army entered Philadelphia- October 4th oc- curred the battle of Germantown. Here again after a bloody conflict, Washington was compelled to retreat. The 9th Virginia regiment and part of the 6th were made pris- oners. Col. Matthews, after penetrating to the centre of the town with his regiment, was made prisoner. In December the Amer- ican army encamped at Valley Forge. In the. meantime, General Burgoyne, with a well appointed British army of 7,000 men, had advanced from Canada in order to open a communication between that country and New York and to cut oil* New England from the rest of the States. After capturing Ti- conderoga, he moved slowly towards the Hudson river, encountering continual ob- structions in his route through a wilderness country and harassed by the American troops. A strong detachment was over- whelmed by Starke and his brave country- men near Bennington. After a series of engagements in which he suffered a terrible loss, Burgoyne was at length, [17th October, 1777,] forced to surrender his army to Gates at Saratoga. * In consequence of Bur- goyne's surrender and of the treaty by which the Americans had secured the alliance of the French, the British army (under com- mand of Sir Henry Clinton, who had relie- ved Sir William Howe,) evacuated Phil- adelphia, [June 18, 1778.] Crossing the Del- aware, they marched through Jersey for New York. [June 28th, 1778J occurred the bat- tle of Monmouth. The result was not de- cisive, but the Americans remained masters of the field, t Sir Henry Clinton occupied * 1. Marshall's Washington, p. 207. t Col. Richard Kidder Meade, father of Bishop Meade, of Virginia, w.is one ol Washington's aides-de-camp du- ring the revolutionary war. The following anecdote rela- tive to him, is taken from Auburey's Travels, vol. 2, pp. 402- 404. Anburey was a lieutenant in the British army and ai this time a prisoner ol war in Virginia and visiting the lower country on parole. "On my way to this place, I stO|>t and slept at Tuckahoe, where I met with Colonel Mead, Colonel Laurens, and another officer ol General Washington's suite. More than once did 1 express a wish the General hiinsell had been of the party, to have seen and conversed with a character, of whom in all my travels through the various provinces I never heard any one speak disrespectfully as an individual and whose public charac- ter has been the admiration and astonishment of all Eu- rope." * * "the Colonel attributed the safety ol his person to the swiftness ol this horse, at the battle of Mon- mouth, having been fired at and pursued by some British officers, as iie was recon none ring. Upon the Colonel's men- tioning Una circumstance, 1L uecuiicd lo me he must have New York. The arrival of a French licet under Count D'Estaing reanimated the hopes of the Americans. Washington took up a position at White Plains on the Hudson. About this time Col. Baylor's regiment of cavalry was surprised in the nighl by a Brit- ish corps under General Gray. Of 104 pri- vates 40 were made prisoners, '27 killed or wounded. Col. Baylor was dangerously wounded and taken. During this year \ ir- ginia sent Gen. George Rogers Clarke in an expedition to the Northwest. Alter endu- ring extreme sufferings in marching through a wilderness, Clarke and his hardy followers captured Kaskaskias and its governor Roche- blave. [December 15, 1778.] Hamilton, British Lieut. Governor of Detroit, under Sir Guy Carleton, governor-in-chief, took possession of the post of St. Vincennes. * Here he fortified himself, intending in the ensuing spring to rally his Indian confederates — to attack Kaskaskias, then in possession of Col. Clarke, and to proceed up the Ohio to Fort Pitt, sweeping Kentucky in his way, and finally overrunning all West Augusta. This expedition was ordered by Sir Guy Carleton. Clarke's position was too remote for succor, and his force too small to withstand a siege. Nevertheless he prepared to make the best possible defence. At this juncture, however, a Spanish merchant brought intelligence, that Hamilton had, by detaching his Indian allies, reduced the strength of his garrison to 80 men with a few cannon. Clarke imme- diately despatched a small armed galley with orders to force her way, and station herself a few miles below the enemy. In the mean- time, [Feb. 7th, 1779J he marched with 130 men upon St. Vincennes. t During his march many of the inhabitants of the country joined the expedition ; the rest garrisoned (he (owns. Impeded by rain and high waters, Clarke's been the person that Sir Henry Clinton's Aid-de-Camp had fired at, ami requesting to know the particular cu'Or of his horse, he informed me a was black, which convinced me it was him; when I related the circumstance ol his meeting Sn Henry Clinton, lie replied, he recollected in the course ol thai day to have met several Brili.-h officers and one ol them wore a star. Upon my mentioning the observation Sir Henry Clinton had made to ins Aid-de- Camp, the Colonel laughed and replied, " Had he known il ii.nl been the Commander-in-chief, he should have made ;i desperate effort to ha/e taken him prison, r." » Now V incennes in Indiana. f i. Marshall's Washington, p. 284. 164 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXXIV. little army were occupied for 16 days in reach- ing the borders of the Wabash. When with- in nine miles of the enemy, it required five days to cross " the drowned lands" near that river, "having to wade often upwards of two leagues to our breast in water." But for the mildness of the season they must have per- ished. On the evening of February 23rd they reached dry land and came unperceived with- in sight of the enemy. An attack being made at 7 o'clock in the same evening, the inhabitants of St. Vincennes gladly sur- rendered it and assisted in besieging Hamil- ton, who held out in the fort. [Feb. 24th. J He surrendered the garrison. Clarke shortly afterwards despatching some armed boats up the Wabash, captured a British convoy in- cluding 40 prisoners and =£10,000 worth of goods and stores. Hamilton, with some offi- cers and a few privates, was sent to the Gov- ernor of Virginia at Williamsburg. * Colo- nel Shelby about this time attacking the Cherokees who had taken up the tomahawk, killed six, burnt eleven towns and 20,000 bushels of corn and captured £25, 000 worth of goods, t [October 1778.] Washington, in compli- ance with the resolutions of congress, ordered the removal of the convention troops of Sar- atoga, then quartered at Cambridge and Rut- land, in Massachusetts, to Charlottesville in the county of Albemarle in Virginia, t Gen. Burgoyne had sailed for England in May, and from that time the command of the Brit- ish troops of convention had devolved upon Gen. Phillips. Col. Bland, with an escort, conducted the prisoners of war to Virginia. Upon their arrival they suffered man) priva- tions, being billeted in block-houses, without windows or doors, and poorly defended from the cold of an uncommonly rigorous winter. But in a short time they constructed better habitations, and the barracks assumed the appearance of a neat little town. In the rear of each house they had trim gardens and en- closed places for poultry. The officers were * 1. Writings of Jefferson, pp. 451-453. + ll». p. 163. [ Writings ol Washington, veil, vi, pp. 93,94,96, 106, 122. [Jan. 1778.] Congress, whether from distiust in the Brit- ish prisoners or from reasons ol state, resolved no1 i" com- ply with the article ol the Saratoga Convent allowing the prisoners to embark foi England on parole, until the Convention should be ratified by tin- English government. 1. Marshall's Washington, p. 232. allowed upon giving parole to provide for themselves lodging places within a circuit of a hundred miles. Mr. Jefferson exhibited a liberal hospitality towards the captives, and Governor Henry afforded them every humane indulgence in his power. The amiable dis- position of Col. Bland, who commanded the guard placed over the Convention troops, still further ensured their quiet and comfort. General Phillips occupied Blenheim, a seat of Col. Carter's ; General de Riedesel, with his family, resided at Colle, seat of Mr. Maz- zei. The baroness de Riedesel, whose ro- mantic sufferings at Saratoga are so well known, has given an entertaining account of her sojourn at Colle, in her letters. Char- lottesville, at this period, consisted of a court- house, a tavern and about a dozen dwelling houses. * In 1779 congress was convulsed by dissensions. Some of the members were suspected of treasonable designs, the paper currency was miserably depreciated, specu- lation raged, dishonesty and corruption prey- ed upon the public misfortunes, the demor- alizing effects of war were manifested and a languor in the cause of independence seemed everywhere to prevail. Washington deemed this. a more gloomy period than any that had preceded it. In a letter written at this time to a friend he exclaims, " where are our men of abilities ? why do they not come forth to save their country? Let this voice, my dear sir, call upon you, Jefferson and others." Until 1779 the British arms had been chiefly directed against the Middle and Northern Slates, hut they were now turned against the South. Georgia soon fell a prey to the enemy and South Carolina was invaded. [May 1779.] A British squadron, under Sir George ('oilier, anchored in Hampton roads, and General Matthews took possession of Portsmouth. The enemy destroyed the pub- lic stores at Gosport and Norfolk, burnt Suf- folk and destroyed upwards of 100 vessels. Upon the approach of b'00 British infantry upon Suffolk, the militia and greater part of the inhabitants lied. Few could save their effects; some who remained for that purpose were made prisoners. The enemy fired the town and nearly the whole of it was destroy- * Bnrk, iv. p. •).">.'). Bland Papers, 1, 116 et srq. An- burey's Travels, '.', 316 and 342 where may lie seen an en- gravingof the en< ampment ol' the Convention army. The town was then styled Charlotteville. 1776-81.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 165 ed. Hundreds of barrels of tar, pitch, tur- pentine and rum lay on the wharves. The heads of the barrels being staved, and their contents, which flowed in a commingled mass, catching the blaze, descended to the river like torrents of volcanic lava. The wind blowing violently, the flaming mass floated to the opposite shore in splendid conflagration and there set on fire the dry grass of an ex- tensive marsh. This broad sheet of fire, the crackling flames of the town, the smoke the explosion of gunpowder in the magazines, projecting ignited timber like meteors in the air, presented altogether an awful spectacle of the horrors of civil war. * The enemy shortly afterwards, laden with plunder, em- barked for New York. While Sir Henry Clinton was encamped near Haerlem, and Washington in the High- lands on the Hudson, [Aug. 18, 1779,] Major Lee of Virginia surprised, in the night, a British post at Powles Hook, a point on the west bank of the Hudson, and opposite the town of New York and with a loss of two killed and three wounded made 159 prison- ers including three officers. Shortly after this afl'air, a fleet, under Admiral Arbuthnot, arrived at New York with reinforcements for Sir Henry Clinton. Not long after, Count D'Estaing returned to the southern coast of America with a fleet of twenty-two ships of the line, eleven frigates, and having on board 6,000 soldiers. The Count arrived so sud- denly, that the British ship Experiment of fifty guns and three frigates iell into his hands. In September, Savannah, occupied by a Brit- ish force, under General Prevost, was be- sieged by 3,500 French and 1,000 Ameri- cans, commanded by D'Estaing and Lin- coln. [October 9th,] in an ineffectual effort to storm the post, the French lost about 700 in killed and wounded, and the Americans 241, while the loss of the enemy was only fifty-five. The sie«-e was now raised, and D'Estaing, who had been wounded in tin; action, sailed again for the West. Indies after this second abortive attempt to aid the cause of independence. The condition ofthe South was now more gloomy than ever. Sir Henry Clinton, towards the close of 1779, embarked with a large force in Arbuthnot's Heel and sailed for South Carolina. In April Sir Henry laid siege to Charleston and General Lincoln, * IV. Burk, p. 337. after an obstinate defence, was compelled to capitulate, [May 12, 1780.] The loss was about equal and not heavy. The number of continental troops surrendered was 1,977, of whom 500 were in the hospital. * Shortly after this disaster Colonel Buford's regiment was cut to pieces by Tarleton, 113 being killed, 150 wounded, and 5',] made prisoners. The British loss was 5 killed, 14 wounded. Georgia and South Carolina now succumbed to the enemy. [June 1780.] General Gates was appointed to the command in the South. Having col- lected an army principally militia, he march- ed against the British forces posted at Cam- den, in South Carolina, and under command of Lord Cornwallis. While Gates was mov- ing from Clermont towards Camden, in the night, [Aug. 16, 1780,] Cornwallis marched out with a view of attacking the American army at Clermont. Thus the two armies met unexpectedly. At the first onset the Ameri- can line was thrown into disorder. A body of light infantry, and in particular a corps under command of Colonel Porterfield of Virginia, maintained their ground with un- daunted constancy. This brave olficer re- fusing to give way, fell mortally wounded. The battle was resumed in the morning. Upon the approach of the enemy firing and shouting, the Virginia brigade of militia, un- der General Stevens, threw down their arms ingloriously and in spite of the efforts of their commander fled from the field. Their exam- ple was quickly followed by the North Caro- lina division of militia and others. The right wing of continentals, under De Kalb, thus deserted, held their ground and fought with the utmost valor until overpowered by supe- rior numbers and charged by cavalry. De Kalb Iell covered with many wounds. The rout of the Americans was now complete, and after a very heavy loss the army was en- tirely dispersed. The American army con- sisted of about 3,000 men, of whom two thirds were regulars. The British numbered about 2,000, of whom 1,900 were regulars. Tarleton, with a strong body of cavalry, as- sisted Cornwallis, while Gates had only Ar- mantis handful of badly mounted cavalry. Added to this the Americans had suffered from a long march through hot sands and * 1. Marshall's Washington, p. 320. 166 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXXIV. from a want of provisions. Gates retired to Charlotte in North Carolina. On the ISth of August Sumpter was over- whelmed by Tarleton, and for a time the Brit- ish arms were in the ascendant throughout the southern provinces. Cornwallis, [1st of September,] detached Col. Ferguson, a gal- lant and expert officer, across the Wateree, with 110 regulars. In a short time tory re- cruits swelled his numbers to 1,000 and, con- fident of his strength, he sent a menacing message to the patriot leaders on the Western waters. The spirit of the mountaineers was _ aroused, and by the 30th of September 1,390 men in arms were concentrated on the banks ofthe Wataga. Of these 400 were from Wash- ington County, Virginia, under Col. William Campbell, the rest from N. Carolina, under Shelby, Sevier, McDowell, Cleveland & Win- ston. Ferguson, discovering his danger, be- gan to retreat, and [6th of October] took up a strong position on King's mountain. The command of the patriot force was devolved upon Col. Campbell. It wasresolved to pursue Ferguson with all the men capable of such ac- tive service, amounting to 910. At the Cow- pens, where Ferguson had encamped on the 4th, Campbell was re-inforced by 460 men, the greater part from South Carolina under Colonel Williams. At 3 o'clock in the after- noon of the 7th of October the troops ad- vanced up the mountain and surrounded the enemy. Ferguson defended himself with desperate valor and fell mortally wounded. Of his troops 150 were killed, the rest made prisoners. The patriots lost 30 killed and 50 wounded. The gallant Williams was slain. About twenty ofthe tories were executed on the following day. Colonel Campbell, on this occasion, led on his men with his coat off. He was a native of Augusta county and removed early to the county of Washington. Fame has awarded him the title of " the hero of King's mountain." * * See account of the battle of King's mountain, by Gen. Joseph Grahame of North Carolina, in Foote's Sketches ol North Carolina. Dodsley's Annual Register for 1781 gives the following account ol Col. Ferguson . " He was perhaps the besi marksman living, and probably brought the art of riflle- shooting to its highest point of perfection, lie even in- vented a gun of that kind upon a new construction, which was said to far exceed in facility ami execution any thing ol tin- sorl In lore known, and lie is said to have greatly outdone even the American Indians in the adroitness and quickness of firing and loading, arid in the certainty of hit- In 17S0, Arthur Lee returned to America after a long absence. This distinguished patriot was born in Westmoreland county, Virginia, December 20th, 1740. He was the youngest of five brothers, all of whom became eminent. After passing some time at Eton, in England, he entered the Univer- sity of Edinburgh, where he took the degree of doctor of medicine. After travelling through Holland, Germany, Italy and France Dr. Lee returned to Virginia and commen- ced the practice of his profession at Williams- burg. Although successful, the bent of his genius induced him to return in a short time to England for the purpose of studying the law and fitting himself for taking a part in public affairs. Returning to London he as- sociated himself with Wilkes and other op- ponents of the Government and prevailed on them to favor the cause of the colonies. About this time he held an amicable discus- sion with Junius on American matters, sub- scribing his publications Junius Americanus. These procured him the friendship of Burke, Dr. Price and other popular leaders. [1770.] Dr. Lee was admitted to the bar. In the spring of 1774 he set out on a tour to France and Italy and while at Paris, published an appeal to the people of Great Britain. In the same year he succeeded Dr. Franklin as Agent of Massachusetts. The secret com- mittee of Congress appointed Mr. Lee their their London correspondent. Through the French embassador there, he obtained assu- rances of aid from France to the Colonies. He was afterwards made commissioner to ting the mark by lying on the back or belly, and in every other possible position of the body." * * "It has been reported that General Washington owed his life at the battle of Brandywine to tins gentleman's total ignorance of his person, as he had him sufficiently within reach and view during that action for the purpose." The Annual Register contains a liberal and graphic eotemporaneous ac- count ol the u ar. The following is a list of some female contributions in Virginia, made in aid of the war, probably m 1780. Mis. Sarah Cary of Scotchtown a watch-chain, cost _£7 ster- ling ; Mrs. Ambler five gold rings ; Mrs. Rebecca Ambler three gold rings; Mrs. Nicholas a diamond drop; Mis. Griffin, ol Dover, ten half Joes; Mrs. Gilmer five guineas ; Mis. Anne Ramsay, (lor Fairfax,) one half Joe, three gui- neas, three piM.tieeus, one bit and upwards of to, 000 dol- lars of paper money; Mrs. Lewis (lor Albemarle) £1,559 8 s. paper money ; Mis. Welclon ,£39, 18s. new instead of £1,600 old paper money ; Mrs. Blackburn (lor Pi nice W il- liam) $7,506 paper money ; Mrs. Randolph, the younger of Chatsworth, $800; Mrs. Fitzhugh and others £658. 1. Writings of Jefferson, pp. ■15U-1G0. 1776-81.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 167 i France in conjunction with Silas Deane, to whom Dr. Franklin was afterwards added. Mr. Lee at the same time served as Agent for Virginia and procured from the royal arse- nal a large supply of warlike stores for her. [1777.] Congress appointed him Commis- sioner to Spain, where he obtained a large loan. Still continuing a member of the French Commission, he next went on a se- cret mission to Berlin, where he negotiated with Frederick successfully in behalf of the American colonies. During his French commission, Mr. Lee had exposed the pecu- lations of some of the subordinate agents, who were employed in conducting the com- mercial details of the public business. This interference gave rise to many aspersions upon Mr. Lee. [1780.] Resigning he re- turned to America and prepared to vindicate himself before Congress, but that body ex- pressed their full confidence in his patriot- ism. [1781.] He was elected to the assem- bly of Virginia and by it returned to Con- gress, where he continued to represent the State for several years. He never married.* During 1780, Mr. Madison took his seat in Congress. James Madison was born March, 1751, (0. S.) in the county of Caroline, Vir- ginia, on the Rappahannock river near Port Royal. He was the son of James Madi- son, of Orange county, and Nelly Conway his wife. At the age of twelve James Madi- son was at school under Donald Robertson, a distinguished teacher in the neighborhood, and afterwards under the Rev. Thomas Mar- tin, the parish minister of the established church, who was a private tutor in his fa- ther's family. Young Madison was next sent to the College of New Jersey, at Princeton, of which the celebrated Dr. Witherspoon was then president. There Mr. Madison received the degree of bachelor of arts in the autumn of 1771. He had impaired his health at college by too close application. Nevertheless on his return to his home in Virginia, he assiduously pursued a systemat- ic course of reading. He became a mem- ber of the legislature of Virginia in May 1776. It was during this session, that the assembly unanimously instructed the depu- ties of Virginia in Congress to propose the Declaration of Independence. Mr. Madi- * Encyclopaedia Americana. son did not enter into public debate during this session. At the next election, owing to his refusal to electioneer by treating the vo- ters and his diffidence, he was superseded by another. He was however at the ensu- ing session of the legislature, [1778,] ap- pointed a member of the Council of State. This place he held till 1779, when he was elected to Congress. While he was of the council, Patrick Henry and Thomas Jeffer- son were governors. Mr. Madison's know- ledge of French, (of which Governor Henry was ignorant,) rendered him particularly ser- viceable in the frequent correspondence held with French officers : he wrote so much for Governor Henry, that, (as is mentioned by Mr. Jefferson,) he was called "the Gover- nor's Secretary." Mr. Madison took his seat in Congress in March, 1780, and he re- mained a leading member until the fall of 1783. Such was the commencement of the career of this illustrious man, who was des- tined to pass through every eminent station and to fill all with honor to himself and ben- efit to his country and to the world. As a writer, a debater, a statesman, a patriot, he was of the first rank and his name goes down to posterity one of the brightest of those that adorn the annals of his country. Towards the close of December, 1780, a hostile fleet appeared within the capes of the Chesapeake, with a force detached by Sir Henry Clinton from New York under command of the traitor Arnold. A frigate in advance having captured some small ves- sels, Arnold, with the aid of them, pushed on at once up the James River. Attempt- ing to land at Burwell's Ferry, (the Grove Landing,) his boats were beaten off by 150 militia of Williamsburg and James city, under Col. Innes and General Nelson. Nelson on this occasion retorted a verbal defiance in answer to a letter, with which Arnold had ushered in his invasion. Leaving a frigate and some transports at Burwell's Ferry, Ar- nold proceeded, [January 4th, 1781,] up the river to VVestover. Here; landing a force of less than 800 men, t including a small party * In a series of replies made by Mr. Jefferson to stric- tures thrown out upon his conduct of affairs at tins junc- ture, the following is found. " Query. — W hy publish Ar- nold's letter without Genera] Nelson's answer ' Answer. Ask the printer. He got neither from the Executive." Iiurk's Hist, of Va , vol. 4, App., p. 13. f Simcoe, p. 161. 168 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXXIV. of badly mounted cavalry, he marched for Richmond at 2 o'clock, P. M. of the same day. Nelson in the meanwhile with a hand- fid of militia, badly supplied with ammuni- tion, had marched up the right bank of the James river, but had arrived too late to offer any opposition to the landing of the enemy. Arnold at one o'clock of the next day after he marched from Westover, entered the in- fant capital of Virginia, without having en- countered any resistance, although his route was very favorable for it. * Simcoe with a detachment proceeded a few miles beyond Richmond, and destroyed the Foundry, emp- tied the contents of the powder magazine over the cliffs into the James river, struck off the trunnions of the cannon and set fire to the warehouses and mills, the effect of the conflagration being heightened by occasion- al explosions of gunpowder, t Many small arms and a large stock of military supplies were likewise destroyed at this place. At Richmond the public stores fell a prey to the enemy; private property was plundered; the soldiers breaking into houses procured rum, and several buildings were burnt. Arnold withdrew from Richmond on the 6th, and on the following day encamped at Berkley and Westover. Simcoe in a patroling excursion in the night surprised a party of 150 militia at Charles City Court House. After some confused firing the militia fled, with small loss. Some few in attempting to escape were drowned in a neighboring mill-pond. In this skirmish, sergeant Adams, of Sim- coe's Rangers, was mortally wounded. Dy- ing shortly afterwards, he was buried at Westover, wrapped in some American col- ors taken a few days before at Hood's, t Nel- son reinforced at Holt's Forge by a party of Gloucester militia under Col. John Page, finding his whole force not exceeding four hundred men, retreated. On that very night the British, [January 10th,] embarked at Westover and dropped down the James river to Flower-de-Hundred. Here Simcoe was detached with a force to dislodge some mi- litia at Bland's Mills. After marching about two miles, the advance guard in a dense wood were fired on by some Americans posted at the forks of the road in front. The * Lee's Memoirs, t Simcoe, p. 10J. I lb., p. 108. British lost twenty men killed and wounded, but charging put the militia to flight. Sim- coe then returned. Arnold sending a de- tachment ashore at Hood's, a skirmish en- sued with 240 men in ambuscade, under the brave Colonel George Rogers Clarke. The enemy lost 17 killed and 13 wounded at the first fire, when Clarke being charged found it necessary to retreat. John Marshall, afterwards Chief Justice of the United States, was present at this affair. The enemy dismantled the fort at Hood's and carried off the heavy artillery. Nelson in the meantime by a forced march reached Williamsburg just before the enemy's fleet came to off Jamestown. Arnold, however, landed part of his forces at Cobham on the opposite side of the river, and marched down, his ships keeping pace with and occasional- ly reinforcing him. On the next day, [Jan- uary 14th,] Nelson paraded about 400 mili- tia at Burwell's Ferry to oppose the landing of the enemy. On the 14th reinforcements arriving augmented Nelson's force to 1,200, but the enemy was now beyond their reach. Col. Griffin and Col. Temple with a party of light horse had hovered near the enemy's lines at Westover and followed the fleet as it dropped down the river. In this party were Colonels William Nelson, Grego- ry Smith, Holt Richardson, Major Clai- borne Lincoln's aid, Majors Burwell, Rags- dale and others, together with a number of young gentlemen. * Arnold returned to Portsmouth without having encountered any serious interruption. Thus it happened that while the regular troops of Virginia were serving at adistancein other states, the militia, after a five years war, was so unarmed and undisciplined that no serious resistance was made to this daring invasion. About the time when Arnold reached Portsmouth, some of his artillery- men, foraging on the road towards the Great Bridge, were attacked, their wagons captured and their officer wounded. Simcoe, with a handful of yagers and rangers was detached for the purpose of recovering the wagons. Ferrying across to Herbert's Point they ad- vanced aboul a mile, when " an artillery-man, who had escaped and lay hid in the bushes, « MS. letter dated Rosewell, January 21, 1781, of Col. John Page in Theodorick Bland, Jr., in my possession. Shncoe, [i. 1 09. 1776-81.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 169 came out and informed him that Lt. Rynd lay not far off. Lt. Col. Simcoe found him dreadfully mangled and mortally wounded; he sent for an ox-cart from a neighboring farm, on which the unfortunate young gen- tleman was placed; the rain continued in a violent manner, which precluded all pursuit of the enemy; it now grew more tempestu- ous and ended in a perfect hurricane, accom- panied with incessant lightning. This small party slowly moved back towards Herbert's Ferry; it was with difficulty that the drivers and attendants on the cart could find their way ; the soldiers marched on with bayonets fixed, linked in ranks together, covering the road. The creaking of the waggon and the groans of the youth added to the horror of the night ; the road was no longer to be traced when it quitted the woods, and it was a great satisfaction that a flash of lightning, which glared among the ruins of Norfolk, disclosed Herbert's house. Here a boat was procured which conveyed the unhappy youth to the hospital-ship, where he died the next day." * Arnold, now ensconced within the fortifi- cations of Portsmouth, was prevented from planning new schemes of devastation by the apprehensions that he now began to enter- tain for his own safety. [Jan. 26th, 1781.] Richard Henry Lee wrote: — "but surely if secrecy and despatch were used, one ship of the line and two frigates would be the means of delivering Arnold and his people into our hands, since the strongest ship here is a forty- four, which covers all their operations. If I am rightly informed, the militia, now in arms, are strong enough to smother these invaders in a moment, if a marine force was here to second the land operations."! [Feb. 9th, 1781,] a French 64 gun ship, with two frigates under Monsieur De Tilley, sailed for the Chesapeake, and arriving by the loth threat- ened Portsmouth. But the ship of the line proving too large to operate against the post, De Tilley, on the 19th, sailed back for Rhode Island. It was a great disappointment to the Virginians that the French admiral could not be persuaded to send a force competent to capture the traitor. Governor Jefferson of- fered 5,000 guineas for his head, liis anx- iety for his own safety was relieved by the arrival of a re-inforcement under General Phillips, [March 27, 1781.] He was an ao complished and able officer, but proud and passionate. Jefferson styled him " the proud- est man of the proudest nation on earth." Exasperated by a tedious captkity, upon his exchange he had been indulged by Sir Henry Clinton in a desire to invade Virginia and wreak his vengeance on a province where he had been so long detained, (unjustly, as he, not without some reason, believed,) a prisoner of war. Having united Arnold's force with his own, Phillips, left Portsmouth, [April 18, 1781,] and on the following day the army landed at Burwell's ferry, from which the militia fled precipitately. Phillips, with the main body, marched upon Williamsburg, which he entered without any serious oppo- sition. Simcoe, detached with 40 cavalry, early next morning surprised a few artillery^ men at Yorktown, (the rest escaping across the York in a boat,) and burnt " a range of the rebel barracks." The British sloop, Bo- netta, anchored off the town. How little did the parties, engaged in this petty episode, anticipate the great events which were des- tined soon to make that ground classic? The Bonetta, too, was destined to play a part in the close of the drama. Phillips embarked at Barrett's ferry, near the mouth of the Chickahominy. He here issued c; the strict- est orders to prevent privateers, the bane and disgrace ofthe country which employs them." But these orders were disregarded. When off Westover he issued further orders saying : "A third object of the present expedition is to gain Petersburg for the purpose of destroy- ing the enemies stores at that place, and it is public stores alone that are intended to be seized." * [April 24th, 1781.] A body of 2,500 men, under Phillips, landed at City Point and passed the night there. On the next morning they marched upon Petersburg. Baron Steuben, with 1,000 militia, disputed the entry of the town. At 2 o'clock the British, advanced. They were opposed by a party of militia posted on the heights just be- yond Blandlbrd, under Captain House of Brunswick. The enemy were twice broken and during two hours advanced only one mile. At length the Americans being flanked by four pieces of artillery, were compelled to retire over the Appomattox, taking up the * Simcoe, pp. 171-172. t Bland Papers, vol. '2, pp. .07 58. * Simcoe, pp. 190-194, 22 170 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXXIV. bridge as soon as they had crossed it. The American loss was estimated at sixty, that of the British was not ascertained. * Lieut. Col. Abercrombie, who commanded the British infantry on this occasion, was the same who afterwards fell in Egypt. Phillips, taking possession of Petersburg, made his head- quarters at Bollingbrook. He destroyed a large quantity of tobacco and several vessels at Petersburg. The bridge over the Appo- mattox being readily repaired, Abercrombie, with a detachment, passed over on the 26th and took possession of the heights opposite the town. Phillips, after committing great devastations at Chesterfield court-house, near Osborne's and at Warwick and Manchester, proceeded down the James river as far as Hog Island. [May 7th.] Phillips receiving orders to join Lord Cornwallis returned up the river to Brandon, t The troops were landed at once there in a sale of wind. * Col. Banister, in Bland Papers, vol. 2, pp. 68-70, makes the British loss not loss than fourteen. Simeoe, pp. 195- 198, reports the British loss at only one killed and ten wounded. John Banister was the son of an eminent botanist of the same name, who settled in Virginia Towards the close of the 17th century and devoted himself to the study of plants. In one of Ins botanical excursions near the falls of the Roanoke, he fell from a rock and was killed. A plant of the decandrous class, in honor of him, is called Banistena. As a naturalist he was esteemed not inferior to Bartram. John Banister, the son, was educated in England and bred to the law at the Temple in London. Before the revolution he was a member of the Virginia assembly, and early in the revolution, a deputy in the convention which met at Williamsburg. Burk, IV, p. 89. He was a delegate in Con- gress from Virginia in 1778-9, and one of the framers of the Articles of Confederation. 1781. He was Lieut. Colonel of Horse, under Brigadier General Lawson. The two other colonels, in the same brigade, were John Mercer, af- terwards Governor of Maryland, and James Monroe, sub- sequently president of the United States. During the in- vasions which Virginia was subjected to, Col. Banister was actively engaged in the efforts made to repel the enemy. Proprietor of a large estate he suffered repeated and heavy losses from the depredations of the British. At one time, it is said, that he supplied a body of troops, then on their way to the southward, with blankets at his own private ex- pense l\v resided al Battersea, near Petersburg. He married first, Mary, daughter of Theodorick Bland Sr., and second, Anne, sister of Judge Blair of the Federal Court. Of an excellent and well cultivated mind and refined man- ners, he was in private life amiable and upright, in public generous, patriotic, and enlightened. As a writer always clear, correct and easy, often elegant and vigorous— he may he ranked with the first of his day. A number of his let- ters have been published in the Bland Papers. t Seat of Benjamin Harrison. General Phillips being taken ill, found it ne- cessary to travel in a carriage. [May 9th.] Part of the troops were sent to City Point in boats ; the rest marched upon Petersburg. They arrived there late in the night and sur- prised a party of American officers engaged in collectino- boats for Lafayette to cross his army. For the purpose of covering a convoy on the way to General Greene's army,* [May 10th,] Lafayette, with a strong escort, appeared on the heights opposite Petersburg. The artillery under Col. Gimat cannonaded the enemy's quarters. Bolling- brook, where General Phillips lay ill, was so exposed to the fire, that it was found ne- cessary to remove him into the cellar for security. He died on the 13th. t He lies buried in the old Blandford church. Upon his death the command devolved on Arnold. He sent an officer with a flag and a letter to Lafayette. As soon as he saw Arnold's name at the foot of the letter he refused to read it, and told the officer that he would hold no intercourse whatever with Arnold, but with any other officer, he should be ever ready to interchange the civilities which the circum- stances of the two armies might render de- sirable. Washington highly approved of this proceeding. j Already before the death of General Phillips, Simeoe had been detached to meet Cornwallis, who was advancing from North Carolina. Simeoe on his route to the Roanoke captured, some miles to the South of the Nottoway river, Colonel Gee, at his residence, " a rebel militia officer," who re- fusing to give his parole, was sent prisoner to Major Armstrong. Another " rebel Colo- nel" Hicks, mistaking Simcoe's party for an advanced guard of Lafayette's army, was also made prisoner. At Hick's Ford a captain with thirty militia-men were taken by a ruse tie guerre and compelled to give their paroles. Simeoe on his return towards Petersburg met with Tarleton and his " legion clothed in white" at Hicks' Ford. § * Almond's Remembrancer for 1781, p. 108. t Lee 28G. Marshall in Life of Washington, Vol. 1, p. 435, in note, has inadvertently said, that "Phillips died the day on which he entered Petersburg." t Spark's Writings of Washington, vol. 8, p. 61. i) Simeoe, pp. 207-208-210. 1781.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 171 CHAPTER XXXV. 1781. Henry Lee; John Tyler; Cornwallis enters Virginia; La- fayette retreats; Simcoe's expedition to the Point of Fork ; Tarleton's expedition to Charlottesville ; Corn- wallis marches towards the Point of Fork ; Devastations of the enemy ; Lafayette reinforced by Wayne inarches to Albemarle old Court-House ; Cornwallis retires to the lower country ; Is followed by Lafayette; Skirmish at Spencer's plantation; Cornwallis prepares to cross the James near Jamestown ; Lafayette makes an unsuc- cessful attack Upon the enemy ; Lafayette encamps near West Point. Henry Lee was born January 29th, 1756, in Virginia. His family was old and res- pectable and his father was for many years a! member of the house of Burgesses of Vir- ginia. Henry receiving the early part of his j education from a private tutor at home, af- terwards pursued his studies at the college of New Jersey, under the presidency of the celebrated Dr. Witherspoon * and was grad- uated there, [1774.] in his eighteenth year. [1776. J When twenty years of age, on the nomination of Pal rick Henry, he was ap- pointed Captain of one of six companies of cavalry raised by Virginia, the whole being under command of Col. Tlieodorick Bland. [September, 1777.] The regiment joined the main army, where Lee by his discipline, vigi- lance and efficiency, soon won the confidence of Washington, who selected him and his company for a body-guard at the battle of Ger- mantown. While Lee lay near the British lines a plan was devised to cut him off. A body of '200 cavalry surprised him in his quarters, a stone house where he had with him but ten men. Yet with these he made a gallant defence and obliged the enemy to retreat, after having lost four men killed, together with several horses and an officer with three privates wounded. Of his own party besides the patrols iinl quarter-master-sergeant. who were made prisoners out of the house, he had but two wounded. Washington com- plimented Lee on his gallantry in this little affair, and Congress shortly afterwards pro- moled him to the rank of Major with the command of an independent partisan corps * He was our of the Pigne rs o( the Declaration ol In di pi i/dence. of horse. [July 19th, 1779.] Major Lee dis- tinguished himself by surprising the British garrison at Powles Hook, where he captur- ed 160 prisoners, with the loss of only two killed and three wounded of his own men. Congress in reward of this achievement, pre- sented him with a gold medal. Early in 1780 Lee, now Lieutenant Colonel, with his legion, joined the army of the South under General Greene. In this General's retreat before Cornwallis, Lee's legion formed part of the rear-guard of the American army. During this retreat Lieutenant Colonel Lee charging upon Tarleton's dragoons, killed eighteen and made a Captain and several privates prisoners. After Greene had effect- ed his escape, he detached Lee with Colonel Pickens to watch the movements of Corn- wallis. Lee with his legion, by a stratagem, surprised four hundred armed loyalists under Colonel Pyle, of whom ninety were killed and many wounded. At the battle of Guil- ford Lee's legion distinguished itself. When Cornwallis retired upon Wilmington, it was by the advice of Lee, that General Greene moved at once into South Carolina. Lee de- tached with his legion joined the militia under the gallant Marion. Forts Watson, Motte and Granby speedily surrendered. Lee now joined Pickens for the purpose of attacking Fort Augusta, which was reduced. In the unfortunate assault upon Fort Ninety-Six, Lee was entirely successful in the part of the attack entrusted to his care. At the bat- tle of the Eutaw Springs, he contributed to the success of the day. John Tyler was born at his father's resi- dence about four miles from Williamsburg, in the county of James City, in the year 1748. His father, whose name he bore, was marshal for the colony of Virginia under the royal government and his mother was the daughter of Docior Contesse of Williams- burg, one of the protestants driven from France by the Revocation of the edict of Nantes, and who finding a home in Virginia, passed here an irreproachable and useful life. John Tyler, younger of two sons of this union, (the elder of whom died young,) while in Williamsburg and its vicinity, en- joyed frequent opportunities of attending the debates of the House of Burgesses and had the good fortune to hear Patrick Henry in the stormy discussion on his resolutions 172 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXXV. of 1765. The animation with which Mr. Tyler in the decline of life related his recol- lections of that debate, proved how deep an impression it had made on him. He became a warm and decided opponent of the tyran- nical pretensions of the mother country, and avowed his opinions on this subject in so bold atone, that his father often predicted to him that sooner or later he would be execu- ted for high treason. Mr. Tyler studied the law under Mr. Nicholas, Treasurer of the colony. While thus engaged, he formed an acquaintance with Thomas Jefferson, which ripened into a close friendship, terminated only by death. The society of the ardent Jefferson, fanned the flame of young Tyler's patriotism and he became at an early day the advocate of the independence of the colonies. About the year 1774 having ob- tained his license, he removed to the county of Charles City, where he took up his permanent abode. Successful in the prac- tice of the law, he was after a brief in- terval elected a delegate from that coun- ty. He was re-elected for several years, his colleague for the greater part of that time, being Benjamin Harrison, Jr., of Berk- ley, whom Mr Tyler succeeded as Speaker of the House of Burgesses. After the lapse of many years Mr. Tyler's son, of the same name, succeeded General William Henry Harrison, son of Benjamin Harrison, Jr., in the Presidency of the Union. Mr. Tyler, the Revolutionary patriot, while a member of the Virginia assembly, contracted a close friendship With Patrick Henry, for whom he entertained an almost idolizing veneration. They corresponded for many years. Mr. Tyler participated largely in the donates of the assembly and on all occasions exhibited himself a devoted patriot and thorough-bred republican. In subsequent years he filled several eminent stations. In private life his virtues won esteem; in public, his talents and worth commanded the confidence of his country. That able commander, Cornwallis, after his disastrous victory of Guilford, in North Carolina, retreated towards the sea-coasl and arrived at Wilmington [April 7th, 178L] [April 25th,] he marched for Petersburg in Virginia. To facilitate the passage of the intervening rivers, two boats mounted on carriages accompanied the army. * Tarle- ton led the advance. While the main army was yet on the left bank of the Roanoke, Cornwallis who had passed it, upon overta- king Tarleton's detachment, ordered them to be dismounted and formed in line for the inspection of some of the inhabitants to en- able them to discover the men who had com- mitted some horrid outrages on the prece- ding evening. A sergeant and a dragoon being pointed out as the offenders, were re- manded to Halifax, condemned by a court- martial and executed, t His lordship was prompted to such acts of discipline, by his moderation and humanity as well by a de- sire to avoid any new exasperation of the people of the country and by a hope of al- luring to his standard the numerous loyalists of North Carolina. [May 19th, 1781.] Corn- wallis reached Petersburg. With the rem- nant of his Carolina army he now united the troops under Arnold, consisting of a detach- ment of Royal Artillery, two battalions of light infantry, the 76th and SOth British reg- iments, the Hessian regiment of Prince He- reditaire, Simcoe's corps of cavalry and in- fantry called " the Queen's Rangers," chiefly tories, one hundred yagers and Arnold's American Legion, likewise tories, the whole amounting to about 2,500 men, which togeth- er with the Carolina army, made his lord- ship's force at Petersburg about 4,500. The entire field force now under his command in Virginia was not less than 7,300, including 400 dragoons and 700 or 800 mounted in- fantry, t He now received certain intelli- gence from Lord Rawdon of his defeat Of General Greene at Hobluck's Hill. Corn- wallis remained three or four days at Peters- burg. Light troops and spies were despatch- ed to discover Lafayette's position. He was found posted near Wilton, an old seat of the Randolphs, on the James river, a few miles below Richmond, with 1,000 regulars and 3,000 militia, the main body of them un- der command of Gen. Nelson. Lafayette was expecting reinforcements of militia and of Wayne with the Pennsylvania brigade. In compliance with the orders of Governor Jefferson, continental or regular officers were substituted in the higher commands of the * T;n leton . | t Idem., p '. 10. Lee, p ! Lee, p. 288. Tarleton, p. 395. 118 i.j HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 173 militia. Three corps of light infantry of 250 each and consisting of select militia marks- men, were placed under command of Ma- jors Call, Willis and Dick of the continental line. Lafayette's cavalry were only the rem- nant of Armand's corps, sixty in number, and a troop of volunteer dragoons under Capt. Carter Page, late of Baylor's regiment. # General Weedon not now in the service, owing to a diminution in the number of offi- cers, was requested to collect a corps of mi- litia to protect a manufactory of arms at Falmouth, opposite Fredericksburg on the Rappahannock. Tarleton patroled from Pe- tersburg as far as Warwick. Surprising near there 400 militia, he made fifty prisoners and brought them to Petersburg. In the mean- time General Leslie arrived at the mouth of the James river, with a reinforcement sent by Sir Henry Clinton from New York. Corn- wallis upon receiving intelligence of it or- dered Leslie to repair to Portsmouth with the 17th British regiment and two battalions of Anspach and the 43rd to join the main army. His lordship now proceeded with his forces to Macocks, (opposite Westover,) on the James, where being joined by the 43rd, lie crossed over, t The passage occupied near- ly three days. The horses swam by aid of boats, the river there heing two miles wide. $ " Erigadier General Arnold obtained leave to return to New York, where business of con- sequence demanded his attendance." The British officers had found it irksome to serve under him. The force of CornwaUis now amounted to 8,000. Lafayette hearing of this movement of the enemy, crossed the Chick- ahominy and retreated towards Fredericks- burg, with the view of covering the manu- factory of arms at Falmouth and of meeting Wayne. Cornvvallis pursued with celerity, but finding Lafayette beyond his reach gave out the chase § and encamped on the banks of the North Anna || in Hanover county. La- fayette who had been hotly pursued by Tarle- ton, retrealcd precipitately beyond Freder- icksburg. It was on this occasion that Corn- vvallis in a letter said of Lafayette, " the boy * Lee, i>. 287. t Tarleton, p. 291. Lee, p. 288. % Tarleton, p. 342. § Lee, p. 290 || Several rivers in Virginia were called aftci Qui n Anne— the Rivanna, the Rapidan,t he Fluvanna, the North Anna and the South Anna. cannot escape me." * Comwallis now de- tached Simcoe with 500 men, Queen's ran- gers and yagers, with a three pounder, the cavalry amounting to one hundredt The object of the expedition was to destrby the Arsenal, lately erected ot the Point of Fork and the military stores there. The Point of Fork is the angle contained between the two branches of the James river, in the county of Fluvanna. Here during the recent pre- datory incursions of Phillips and Arnold, a State Arsenal had been established and mili= tary stores collected, with an especial view to the prosecution of the war in the Caroli- nas. The protection of this post had been entrusted to the able Prussian officer, the Baron Steuben. His force consisted of 600 new levies, originally intended for the South- 1 ern army and an equal number of militia under General Lawson. t Cornwallis how- ever informed Simcoe, that the Baron's force was only three or four hundred, t * ''All I learnt by a conversation with Mr. Bud, [land- lord of Bud's Ordinary in New Kent.] was, thai he had heen pillaged by the English, when they passed his house in their march [from] Westover, in pursuit of Monsieur de la Fayette, and m returning to Williatnsburgh, alter en- deavoring in vain to corrie up with him. It was compara- tively nothing to see their fruits, fowls and cattle curried away by the light troops winch formed the van-guard; the army collected what the van-guard had left ; even the offi- cers seized the rum and all kinds of provisions, without paying a farthing foi : In 'in ; I his hurricane, which destroyed every thing in its passage, was followed liy a scourge yet more terrible : a numerous rabble, under the title of Refit- gees and Loyalists, followed the army, not to assist in the field, but to partake of the plunder. The furniture and clothes of the inhabitants Were in general the sole booty left to satisfy their avidily; after they had emptied the houses, they slript the proprietors ; and Mr. Bird repeated with indignation, that they had taken from him by force, the very boots from off his legs,'' — 2 Chastellux's Travels, |ip. 3-7. "Mr. Tilghman, our landlord [at Hanover Court House,] though he lamented his misfortune in having lodg- ed anil boarded Lord Cornwallis and his retinue, without. Ins Lordship's having made bun the least recompense, could not yet help laughing at the fright which the tme speck- ed arrival of Tar let cm spread among M a considerable si lit r of gentlemen, who had cinne to hear the news, and weie assembled at the Court House. A negro on horseback came lull gallop to let them know i li.it Tarleton was not above three miles off. The resolution of retreating was soon taken, but the alarm w as so sudden, and the confusion so jiie.it, thai every one mounted the first horse he cont'd find, so that few of those curious gentlemen returni d upon their own horses." lb., p. 1 1 f Burk's Hist, of Va., vol. 4, p. 496-497. Lee, p. 293. J Simcoe held 'he Karl's mil liar y intelligence in slight respect. Thus on page 'Jib. he says, " He had received no advices from Lord Cornwallis, whose general intelligence he knew lo 1«- w ry had." " The slightest reliance was not to be placed on any patrolcs from his lordship's army." 174 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Cha*. XXXV. Lieutenant Spencer With twenty hussars formed Siincoe's advanced guard of chosen men mounted oil Meet horses. Simcoe cross- ing the South Anna pushed on with his ac- customed celerity, by Byrd's Ordinary tow- ards Napier's Ford on the Rivanna. No in- habitant of the country coming within view, escaped capture. From some of the pris- oners intelligence was obtained that Steu- ben was at the Point of Fork and in the act of crossing to the South side of the James river. The Baron adopted this mea- sure in consequence of intelligence of Tarle- ton's incursion. Within two miles of Steu- ben's camp, a patrol of dragoons appeared, was chased and taken. It consisted of a French officer and four of Armand's corps. The advanced men of Spencer's guard chang- ed clothes with the prisoners, for the purpose of attempting to surprise the Baron at the only house at the Point of Fork. Just as Simcoe was about to give the order to his men to lay down their knapsacks in prepa- ration for an engagement, the advanced guard brought in a prisoner, Mr. Farley, Baron Steuben's aid, who had mistaken them for the patrol which had just been captured. Mr. Farley assured Simcoe that " he had seen every man over the Fluvanna before he left the Point of Fork." This was confirm- ed by some waggoners, who with their teams were now taken. Siincoe's cavalry advan- cing, plainly saw the Baron's force on the opposite side. About thirty of Steuben's people collected on the bank where the em- barkation had taken place, were captured. Simcoe employed stratagem to persuade the Baron that the party was Earl Cornwallis's whole Army, so as to cause the arms ami stores that covered the opposite banks to be abandoned. Captain Hutchinson with the 71st regiment clothed in red, was directed to approach the bunks of the Fluvanna, while the baggage and women halted in tin; woods, on the summit of a hill where they made the appearance of a numerous corps. The woods mystified their numbers and numer- ous camp-fires aided the deception. The three-pounder was carried down and one shot fired, by which was killed the horse of one of Steuben's orderly dragoons. The Baron was encamped on the heights on the opposite side, about three quarters of a mile back from the river. He had passed the Fluvanna in consequence of intelligence of Tarleton's incursion, which he apprehended was aimed at him. The river was broad and unfordable, and Steuben was in possession of all the boats. Simcoe himself was now in an exposed position, but his apprehen- sions were relieved, when the Baron's peo- ple were heard at night destroying their boats with great noise. At midnight they made up their camp-fires. Soon after a de- serter and a little drummer-boy passed over in a canoe and gave information that Steu- ben had marched off on the road by Cum- berland Court-House, towards North Caroli- na. * The drummer-boy belonged to the 71st regiment ; he had been taken prisoner at the Cowpens, had enlisted in Morgan's army and now making his escape, hap- pened to be received by a picket guard which his own father commanded. On the follow- ing morning, b\ aid of some canoes, Sim- coe sent across the river Captain Stevenson with twenty light infantry and Cornet Wol- sey with four hussars, who carried their sad- dles with them. The infantry detachment were ordered to bring off such supplies as Simcoe might need and to destroy the re- mainder. The hussars were directed to mount upon such straggling horses as they could find and patrol in Steuben's wake. Both orders were successfully executed. The stores were destroyed and Steuben's retreat accelerated. Simcoe in the meantime em- ployed his force in constructing a raft, by which he might pass the Rivanna at its junc- tion with the South Anna. There was de- stroyed a large quantity of arms, the greater part of them, however, out of repair, togeth- er with ammunition and military stores. The quantity and value of property destroyed were greatly exaggerated by the enemy. Simcoe took away also a mortar, l\\c brass howitzers and four long brass nine pounders, mounted afterwards at Yorktowir t According to Siincoe's opinion, a small guard left by Steu- ben would have protected these stores. The want of military intelligence exhibited on tins occasion i.s what the disaster must be at- tributed to. * Simcoe, pp. 212-223. Lee, pp. 293-294. t Simcoe, p. '..'J:i. These may perhaps be ibe brass pie- ces recaptured ;it Vorktown, now to lie found at ihe A 1 1 1 1<>- ry al Richmond. Tarleton, Coinwallis and the historian Stedman, it is .-.aid, have exaggerated the American loss. JJuik, vol. -1, p. 498. 1781. HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 175 Ai the same time when Simcoe was de- tached, Lord Cornwallis had sent out, [Juno, 1781,] that other distinguished partisan, Tarleton, with 180 cavalry, and 70 mounted infantry of the 23rd regiment under Cap- tain Champagne, with instructions to sur- prise the Virginia Assembly, then sitting at Charlottesville, to seize Mr. Jefferson at. Mon- ticello, near that town, and to destiny such stores as could be of use to the Americans. Tarleton moving rapidly towards Charlottes- ville, met with twelve wagons laden with clothing for the Southern army and he burnt, them. Learning that a number of gentle- men, who had escaped from the lower coun- try, were assembled, some at Dr. Walker's, the others at Mr. John Walker's, * Tarleton despatched Captain Kinloch, with a party, to Mr. John Walker's, while he proceeded with the rest to the doctor's mansion. Here he surprised Col. John Syme, a half-brother to Patrick Henry, and some other gentlemen, who were found asleep, t it being early in the morning. Captain Kinloch captured Francis Kinloch, (his relative t and a delegate to con- gress from South Carolina,) together with William and Robert Nelson, brothers to Gen- eral Thomas Nelson. Mr. Iouitte, one of the inmates, effecting his escape on a fleet horse, conveyed intelligence of Tarleton's approach, to Charlottesville, so that the greater part of the members of the Assembly escaped. Tarleton, after a delay of some hours, enter- ed Charlottesville. Seven Burgesses iell into his hands and the public stores there were destroyed. Captain McCIeod, with a troop of horse, visited Monticello and reached the house; a few moments after Mr. Jefferson had fled. The magnificent prospect visible there, must have afforded some compensation to the par- ty for their disappointment. While Tarle- * IJelvoir, about seven miles from Charlottesville, and • e ol the I. ilc Judge Hugh Nelson. t Lee, pp. 294-295. Tarleton, p. 296. It is said that as one of the gentlemen, who was rather en-bon-point and who had found tune to put on nothing but Ins breeches, ran across the yard in full view of the British dragoons, they burst into a fit of laughter at so unique and extraordinary a phenomenon. X There is a family tradition, that when this Captain Kinloch was about to leave England, the Ladies o! his family playfully begged him not to kill their cousin in Amer- ica, and that In; replied, "No, but 1 will be sure to take him prisoner" — which jocular prediction was thus fulfilled. See Lee, p. 295, in note. ton was in the neighborhood of Charlottes- ville, 20 British and Hessian prisoners of '• the Convention troops," cantoned with the planters, joined him. The prisoners of dis- tinction, Captured by Tarleton. were treated with lenity, being detained only a few days, on their parole not to escape; "lite lower class were secured as prisoners of war.'' * "The prisoners of note" were released at Elkhill, on their paroles. Earl Cornwallis, with the main army, ar- riving, (June 7th, | near the Point of Fork, Simcoe and Tarleton rejoined him. [June 9th.] Simcoe was detached to the Seven Is- lands, where he destroyed 150 barrels of gunpowder, and burnt the tobacco in the ware-houses on the river side. Some militia- men were surprised and made prisoners, t The British army was now encamped alongthe bank of the James river, from the Point of Fork to Elkhill, \ a plantation of Mr. Jefferson's, where Cornwallis for ten days made his head- quarters. This plantation was utterly laid waste by the enemy. Wherever his lordship's army went, plantations were despoiled and private houses plundered. During the six months of his stay in Virginia, she lost 30,000 slaws. of whom the greater part died of small pox and camp fever, and the rest were shipped to the West Indies, Nova Scotia, &c. Tin? whole devastations committed by the British army, during these six months, was estima- ted at upwards of thirteen millions of dol- lars. Lafa vette beingjoined by Wayne's brigade, eight or nine hundred strong, marched at once towards Albemarle old Court-house, where some magazines remained uninjured by the British. Hesucceeded in saving these stores from tin; attempts of Tarleton. La- fayette, at Albemarle Court-house, was join- ed by Col. Campbell, the hero of King's Mountain, with his brave riflemen. § Corn- wallis now, in accordance with advices from Sir Henry Clinton, retired to the lower coun- try and was followed by Lafayette, who had in the meantime, above Richmond, been re- inforced by Steuben, with his GOO levies and * Tarleton, p 29 t Simcoe, p. 223. X It was here, that Mr. Jefferson, when confined by an arm fractured by a fall from a horse, composed his " Notes on Virginia." § Lei . i 176 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXXV. by the militia. Cornwallis halted for a few days at Richmond. Simcoe was posted at Westham, Tarleton at the Meadow Bridge.* Lafayette's army amounted now to 4,500, of whom one half were regulars and of these 1,500 were veterans. He was still inferior to Cornwallis in numbers, by one third, and very deficient in cavalry.! Cornwallis leav- ing Richmond, [June 20th, 1781,] reached Williamsburg on the 25th. t Lafayette fol- lowed and passing Richmond, arrived at New Kent Court-house on the day after the British general had left it. Lafayette now took a position on Tyre's plantation, twenty miles from Williamsburg. Cornwallis having detached Simcoe, to destroy some boats and stores on the Chickahominy, that energetic and accomplished partisan performed the ser- vice with his accustomed promptness. La- fayette discovering this march of Simcoe, detached Col, Butler, of the Pennsylvania line, in quest of him*. Butler's van consist- ing of the rifle corps, under Majors Call and Willis, and the cavalry — the whole not ex- ceeding 120 effectives, was led by Major McPherson of Pennsylvania. Having mount- ed some infantry behind the remnant of Ar- mand's dragoons, he overtook Simcoe on his return, near Spencer's plantation, about six miles above Williamsburg, at the Forks of the roads leading to Williamsburg and James- town. The ground there, in Simcoe's phrase, was " admirably adapted to the chicanery of action." § The suddenness of McPherson's attack threw the yagers into confusion, but they were firmly supported by the Queen's Rangers. J| Call and Willis having now join- ed McPherson, a warm conflict ensued. Simcoe found occasion for all his resources. The advanced party of Butler's corps was re- pulsed and fell back in confusion upon the continentals, Simcoe satisfied with this ad- vantage, retired. Both parties claimed the advantage in this rencontre. The loss of the British was eleven killed and twenty-six wounded. The loss of the Americans is not * Tarleton, p. 300. f Lee, p. 299. % Tarleton, p. 301. Simcoe, p. 2'J7. I! Trumpeter Barney gave the alarm to the Rangers, ex- claiming, " draw your swords Rangers, the Rebels are coming." Simcbe, p. 228. Barney captured a French of- ficer. reported, except that three officers and twen- ty-eight privates were made prisoners. The number of killed and wounded probably ex- ceeded that of the British. * Major McPher- son was unhorsed, but crept into a swamp and made his escape. Simcoe after retreat- ing two miles towards Williamsburg, met Lord Cornwallis, with the advance of his ar- my, coming to his relief. Coret Jones, who had fallen in the skirmish, was buried at Wil- liamsburg on the next day with military hon- ors. Col. Butler, the American commander in the action, was the same who afterwards fell at St. Clair's defeat, being on that occa- sion second in command, t June 28th, Cornwallis with an escort of cavalry, under Simcoe, visited Yorktown, for the purpose of examining the capabilities of that post. His lordship formed an unfavor- able opinion of it. The party was ineffec- tually fired at from Gloucester Point and re- turned on the same day to Williamsburg. After halting here nine days, Cornwallis, [4th of July,] marched and encamped near James- town island, for the purpose of crossing the James river and proceeding to Portsmouth. The Queen's Rangers passed over the river in the evening of the same day, to cover the baggage which was now transported. La- fayette, as Cornwallis had predicted, now ad- vanced, with the hope of striking at the rear- guard only of the enemy, supposing upon imperfect intelligence that the main body had already crossed to the left bank of the river. Accordingly about sunset, [July 6th, 1781,] Lafayette attacked Cornwallis and after a warm conflict, was compelled to retreat, hav- ing discovered that he was engaged by the main body of the British army. Of the con- tinental troops, 118, including ten officers, were killed, wounded or taken. Some can- non also fell into the hands of the enemy. The British state their loss at five officers and seventy privates, killed and wounded. Corn- wallis now crossed the James and inarched [9th of July] for Portsmouth. Lafayette re-inlbrced by some dragoons from Baltimore, retired to a strong position near West Point, at the head of York river. The militia had already been discharged. " Simcoe, pp. 227-237. He gives a plan of I he affair and says thai I considered ihis action ;ts the climax of a. campaign of five yens, p, 234 f Lee, p. 300. 1781.] HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 177 CHAPTER XXXVI. 1781. Cornwallis fortifies Yorktown and concentrates his forces there. Washington invests Yorktown. The capitula- tion. [August 2nd, 17S1.] Cornwallis occupied Yorktown and Gloucester Point and fortified them. He concentrated the whole British force in Virginia, at those posts, by the 22nd of August. Gloucester Point opposite York- town was held by the 80th regiment and the Hessian regiment of Prince Hereditaire and the Queen's rangers, — the whole under com- mand of the brave and energetic Lieutenant Colonel Dundas of the artillery. Tarleton with his cavalry afterwards passed over to Gloucester Point, and Dundas, during the siege that ensued, being ordered over to Yorktown, the command at Gloucester Point devolved on Simcoe, who being incapable of holding it on account of feeble health was succeeded by Tarleton. Lafayette hearing of the movements of the enemy now broke up his camp on the banks of the Pamunkey and drew nearer to York- town. In the meantime Washington relin- quishing his efforts to dislodge Sir Henry Clinton from New York, concerted with the French naval and military commanders a plan of operations against Cornwallis, and with the combined American and French armies marched for Virginia. August 30th, Count de Grasse with a fleet arrived from the West Indies and entered the Chesapeake Bay. On the 31st his advanced ships blocked up the mouth of the York.* [September 5th.] A partial engagement occurred between him and the English admiral Graves. On the 10th Count de Barras joined de Grasse with a naval force from Rhode Island. Lafayette now made his head-quarters at Williamsburg. Washington attended by Count de Rochani- beau, commander-in-chief of the French army and the Chevalier de Chastellux, reached that place on the 14th, and repairing on board the Ville de Paris, the French admiral's ship, ar- ranged the plan of the siege of York. By the 25th, the combined army, amounting to 12,000 men, together with 5,000 militia un- der General Nelson, were concentrated at * Simcoe, p. 'its'. 23 Williamsburg. [September 28th,] the allies advanced upon York and invested it. the Americans forming the right below the town, the French the left above it, and each extend- ing from the borders of the river, so as to hem in the town by a semicircle. General De Choisy invested Gloucester Point with 3,000 men. The enemy's communication, by water, was entirely cut off by the French ships, stationed at the mouth of the York river. Cornwallis some time before this, find- ing his situation growing so critical, had anxiously solicited aid from Sir Henry Clin- ton. Aid was promised but it never arrived. Washington was assisted by Lincoln, Steuben, Lafayette, Knox, &c. The French were commanded by General the Count Rocham- beau. On the 29th the British commenced a can- nonade, and during the night abandoned some redoubts and retired within the town. Col. Alexander Scanimel while reconnoitering the ground just abandoned by the enemy, was surprised by a party of horse and after he had surrendered, received a wound from a Hessian, of which he died in a tew days, greatly lamented. On the 3rd of October, in a skirmish before Gloucester Point, Tarle- ton was unhorsed and narrowly escaped be- ing made prisoner. The British sent out from Yorktown a number of negroes infected with the small pox. On the night of the 7th, the first parallel was extended two miles in length, and within 600 yards of the British lines. By the evening of the 9th several bat- teries being completed, Washington himself put the match to the first gun and a heavy fire was opened. The cannonade continued till the 15th. Cornwallis was driven from Secre- tary Nelson's house where he had made his head-quarters. * A red-hot shell from a * Upon the breaking oul of the revolution, secretary Nel- son, who had been long a member <>f the Council, retired from public affairs, lie lived Hi Yorktown, where be had erected a handsome house, adorned with " a chimney-piece and some bas reliefs of very line marble exquisitely sculp- lured." Lord Cornwallis made bis head quarters in this house, which stood near his line of defensive works. It soon attracted the attention of t ho French artillery and was almost entirely destroyed. Secretary Nelson was in it when the first shot killed one of his negroes at a lillle dis- tance from him What increased his solicitude was that tie bad two sons in the American army, so thai every shot whether fired from the town or from the trenches might prove equally fatal to hitn. When a flag was sent in to request that he might be conveyed within the American lines, one of his sons was observed gazing wistfully at the 178 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. [Chap. XXXVI. French battery set fire to the Charon, a Brit- ish 44 gun ship, and two or three smaller vessels, which were consumed in the night. The ships were wrapped in a torrent of fire, which ran like lightning over the rigging and to the tops of the masts. A second parallel was now completed and batteries erected within 300 yards of the enemy's works. The British had two redoubts about 300 yards in front of their lines and it was resolved to take them by assault. The one on the left of the enemy, bordering the banks of the river, was assigned to a brigade of light infantry under Lafayette. The advanced corps was con- ducted by Col. Alexander Hamilton assisted by Col. Gimat. The attack commenced at 8 o'clock in the evening and the assailants entered the fort with the point of the bayonet, without firing a gun. The American loss was eight killed and thirty wounded. Major Campbell who commanded the fort was woun- ded and made prisoner with about thirty sol- diers ; the rest escaped. During the assault the British kept up a lire along their whole line. Washington, Lincoln and Knox, with their aids, having dismounted, stood in an exposed situation awaiting the result. The other redoubt on the right of the British was taken at the same time, by a detachment of the French, commanded by Baron de Vio- menil. He lost about 100 men killed and wounded. Of the enemy at this redoubt, eigh- gate of the toun. by which the aged secretary was to come out. Cornwallis permitted his withdrawal and he was taken to Washington's head quarters. Upon alighting, with a serene countenance he related to the French officers who stood around him, v\ hat. had been the effect of their batte- ries and how much Ins mansion had suffered from the fust shot. 2 (Jhaslellu.x, pp. 24-2T. teen were killed and forty-five captured, inclu- ding three officers. By this time many of the British guns were silenced and their works were becoming ruinous. About 4 o'clock on the morning of the 16th, Col. Abercrom- bie, with 400 men, made a sortie against two unfinished redoubts occupied by the French. After spiking some cannon, the British were driven back with a small loss on each side. One hundred pieces of heavy ordinance were now in full play against the enemy. The British had nearly ceased firing. On the 17th, Cornwallis by a flag requested a cessation of hostilities. On the 19th of October, 1781, the British forces at Yorktown and Glouces- ter Point were surrendered. At about 12 o'clock, the combined army was drawn up along a road, in two lines, extending more than a mile, the Americans on the right, the French on the left. At the head of the Ameri- can line, Washington appeared on horseback surrounded by his aids. At the head of the French line was posted Count Rochambeau. The concourse of spectators from the coun- try was equal in number to the military. At 2 o'clock the captive army advanced through the line formed for their reception. Corn- wallis pretending indisposition was not pre- sent. His place was filled on the occasion by General O'Hara. This officer mounted on a fine charger, made the surrender. The loss during the siege was, French 50 killed, 127 wounded: Americans 27 killed, 73 wounded. According to Cornwallis' account, his loss was 156 killed, 326 wounded, 70 missing; total, 552. The whole number of men sur- rendered, 7,247 ; 75 brass, 169 iron cannon ; 7,7!)4 muskets with stores, money and 28 colors. APPENDIX. The followingMemoir ofthe Battle of Point Pleasant was composed by my uncle, the late Dr. Samuel L. Campbell, of Rockbridge county, Virginia. He married, in 1794, a sister of the! Rev. Dr. Archibald Alexander, Professor in the Theological Seminary, of Princeton and died at an advanced age, in 1840. During several years previous to his death, he was blind, and it was during this period, that he dictated to his children the following narrative. It so happened that when I was preparing my own manuscript of the "Introduction to the History ofthe Col- ony and Ancient Dominion of Virginia/' for the press, a copy of my uncle's Memoir was communicated to me by his son, the Rev. Samuel D. Campbell, and, with his consent, it is here published, and I am happy in hav- ing it in my power to lay before the reader so interesting a production. J\Iemoir of the Baffle of Point Pleasant, by Samuel L. Campbell, .11. D., of Rockbridge County, Virginia. The following Memoir relates to an event- ful period in the history of Western Virginia, comprising all the years from 54 to 79 ofthe last century. At first nothing more was con- templated than a short account of the cam- paign of 74, but on examination, that trans- action was found to be so intimately connec- ted with others, both anterior and subsequent, that it was judged best to give greater latitude to the memoir. It has been chiefly formed from recollections partly of some portions of history which the writer met with many years ago ; partly from the narratives of sundry persons, most of whom had been actors in the Indian wars. Resting as it does so much upon memory, there may be inaccuracies, and incidents may have been overlooked, which should have been noticed. But these it is thought will not, be of much importance, when it is known that the writer in want of sufficient materials, was unable to go much into detail. The memoir itself is little more than an outline or general view, and there- fore can possess little interest otherwise than as it excites enquiry and attracts attention to a subject important indeed, but hitherto neg- lected. The inhabitants of this country are very imperfectly acquainted with its history. This remark applies particularly to that sec- tion commonly called the Valley of Virginia, which lying along the Blue Ridge, stretches from the Potomac to the Alleghany mountain. Of this many of the inhabitants know little more than what they see. They see a coun- try possessing salubrity and fertility, yielding plentifully, in great variety, most of the ne- cessaries of life ; a country which has ad- vantages, conveniences and blessings, in abundance, in profusion, I had almost said in superfluity. But they know not how it came into tin 1 hands of the present occu- pants; they know not who were the first set- tlers, whence they came, at what time, in what numbers, nor what difficulties they had to encounter, nor what was the progress of population. One who would become ac- quaintedwith these matters, must travel back a century or more ; he must witness the early adventurers leaving the abodes of civilization and singly, or in families, or in groups, com- posed of several families, like pioneers on a forlorn hope, entering the dark, dreary, track- less forest, which had been for ages the nur- sery of wild-beasts and the pathway of the Indian. After traversing this inhospitable solitude for days or weeks and having be- come weary of their pilgrimage, they deter- mined to separate and each family taking its several course in quest of a place where they may rest, they find a spot such as choice, chance or necessity points out; here they sit down ; this they call their house — a cheer- less, houseless home. If they have a tent, they stretch it and in it they all nestle ; other- wise tin; umbrage of a wide-spreading oak, or, mayhap, the canopy of heaven is their only covering. In this new-found home, while they are not exempt from the common frailties am! ills of humanity, many peculiar to their present condition thicken around them. Here they must endure excessive la- bor, fatigue am! exposure to inclement ea- sons ; here innumerable perils and privations await them ; here the} are exposed to alarms from wild beasts and from Indians. Some- times driven from home they take shelter in the breaks and recesses of the mountains, where they continue for a time in a state of anxious suspense; venturing at length to re- connoitre their home, they perhaps find it a heap of ruins, the whole of their little pecu- lestroyed. This frequently happened. ISO HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. The inhabitants of the country being few and in most cases widely separated from each other, each group, fully occupied with its own difficulties and distresses, seldom could have the consolation of hoping for the advice, assistance or even sympathy of each other. Many of them, worn out by the hardships in- separable from their new condition, found premature graves; many hundreds, probably thousands, were massacred by the hands of the Indians, and peace and tranquillity, if it came at all, came at a late day to the few sur- vivors. " Tapue erat molis — condere gentem." Here have been stated a few items of the first cost of this country, but the half has not been told ; nor can we calculate in money the worth of the sufferings of these people ; especially we cannot estimate in dollars and cents the value of the lives that were lost. An historical account of the early settlements of the country is a desideratum. Much in- deed that might go to form such a work has been irrecoverably lost; much might, by care and industry be collected, enough, if used by a skilful hand, to form a work which would merit the public patronage. The writer must here acknowledge that a number of facts were communicated to him by two individu- als of Rockbridge county, of which ho has availed himself. These individuals were An- drew Reid, Esq. and William Moore, Esq. They were both in the campaign of 1774, and both in the battle of Point Pleasant, and acted well their several parts. Mr. Reid was known to have certainly killed an Indian early in the engagement; Mr. Moore bore from the bat- tle-ground a wounded soldier. Standing near to his fellow when the wound was given, at much personal risk, being in full view of the enemy's line, he received his wounded companion on his shoulders and bore him to the camp, there placing him under the care of attendants he returned to the light, in which both he and Mr. Reid continued until victory declared in favor of the white men. This wounded soldier was John Steel, of Au- gusta, who was shot quite through the chest. From this wound, although at first deemed mortal, he recovered so rapidly as to be able to ride home at the end of the campaign. Early in the revolutionary war he entered (he army as a subordinate officer, and continued in tins service until the struggle was over, at which time he was discharged with the rank of colonel. Soon after returning to his na- tive state he was appointed by the legislature a member of the privy council, the duties of which office he performed during the con- stitutional term. He was again appointed by the same authority to an important agency in the south-west, the object of which is not now distinctly remembered. He removed about the end of the last century to the neigh- borhood of Natchez, where he undertook the cultivation of the cotton plant. When a ter- ritorial government was established in Mis- sissippi he was. by the President of the Uni- ted States, appointed governor. Nothing more of him is known by the writer, save that he died at an advanced a^e, about half a century after receiving the wound at the battle of Point Pleasant. During the war between France and Great Britain, which commenced about the middle of the last century, the new settlements of Virginia suffered much from Indian depreda- tions. At this time France had possession of Quebec and the Canadas; the river St. Lawrence and the lakes were under her con- trol. For the defence and maintenance of these possessions many strong fortifications were erected at different points, among which were Ticonderoga, Fort Stanwix, Detroit and others. Fort DuQuesne was erected in 17ob' at the confluence of the Monongahela and Alleghany rivers. It is evident that the de- sign of the French monarch was to connect Quebec with New Orleans, by establishing a chain of posts along the great waters, and thus to limit the extension of the British provinces in North America. That large scope of country bounded by the north-west- ern lakes, the river Mississippi and the Ohio was wholly claimed by the western Indians. Many separate and independent tribes were planted throughout its whole extent. These, for the most part, resided in villages and were often at war with each other, but all viewed the whites as a common enemy. Among them the Shawnees stood pre-emi- nent for power and prowess. Their villages wen' on the Scioto, and were near to (Ik? whites. These different causes rendered them more formidable. At fort DuQuesne was constantly kept, by the French traders, a full supply of arms, HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 181 ammunition, blankets, wampum and such other articles of traffic as suited the Indian market. Thus the Indians were attached to the interests of France and enlisted in her cause. The frontier of Virginia, at that time, extended from the North Carolina line on the Holston, to a point somewhere near fort DuQuesne, a distance of probably three or four hundred miles. The whole of this great extent was exposed to the incursions of the Indians and was often entered by them in bands of ten or twenty, murdering, plunder- ing, and capturing families, seldom remain- ing longer than from ten to twenty hours, retreating in so short a time that rarely an adequate force could be collected to oppose or pursue them, and if pursued, the Indian, by wily stratagems, would often elude his pursuers. The settlement remained in this unpleasant state for a number of years with no protection, and always apprehensive of danger. By the fall of the unfortunate Brad- dock and the annihilation of his army in the year 1155, matters were rendered incompara- bly worse. The dogs of border war were completely unkennelled. A large portion of Pennsylvania and Maryland felt the shock of this catastrophe; but the settlements must exposed were in the district of country lying west of the Blue Ridge from the Potomac the whole length of the valley and thence to the Carolina line on the Holston. Many in- dividuals and families lied from the valley over the Blue Ridge for safety. Fear seemed to seize the whole community, and the name of an Indian struck terror through the entire set- tlements. Those who did not leave their homes depended for safety upon rudely con- structed forts, which were to be found in every neighborhood. But alas ! the fust alarm j was often the sound of the rifle or war-whoop < of the Indian ready to pounce upon his prey. [1759.] A band of the Shaw nees made a de- scent upon Kerr's creek, in what is now Rockbridge county. They killed and took prisoners many persons, the number not now- known. One of these being tomahawked, scalped and left for dead, recovered and lived thirty or forty years. In 1763 a party of the same tribe visited the same place, killed and took captive thirty or forty persons, and set out on the next day on their return to their towns. In both instances they returned 1>\ easy journeys, carrying with them their scalps, prisoners, and spoils, unopposed and unpur- sued. These are specimens of the mode; of Indian warfare, and they show the depressed spirit of the whites, when twenty-seven In- dians could come a distance of three or four hundred miles, commit such depredations and go off unscathed! [1763.] A treaty of peace was ratified between France and Great Britain, * which gave some respite. Hostili- ties, in a great measure, ceased and prison- ers were surrendered. Many of the settlers now supposed that there were grounds to hope for a permanent peace. In the year 1759 Quebec had been subdued to the Brit- ish arms under General Wolfe, and by treaty all the French possessions in the northern part of North America were surrendered to the British, and it was hoped that the French influence would cease. But this hope was chimerical ; deep-rooted enmity and strong antipathy existed. The whites, during the late war, had suffered much from Indian bar- barity, pillaging and burning their dwellings, murdering the inhabitants, carrying many into captivity, and of these putting to death not a few by lingering and painful tortures. These cruelties were commonly perpetrated along the frontier. Few settlements or even neighborhoods escaped. Where had lately- stood a comfortable cabin, occupied by an industrious, and peaceable, and contented family, might now be seen a pile of ashes slaked with blood. All ages, all conditions were alike exposed. The ruthless savage felt no more pity for the delicate female or helpless infant, than did his hatchet or scalp- ing knife. The settlers viewed the savages as enemies to mankind, th.it ought to be blotted from the face of the earth, and many thought that he who killed one. of whatever tribe, was doing God's service. The Indians, too, were not behind in hate. Their am ienl jealousies still existed. They viewed the whites as unrighteous intruders upon a soil which had been theirs by birthright and hum- possession. They recollected their unexam- pled success in the late border wars, and no doubt many of them wished their renewal. From such tempers and dispositions, from the indulgence of such passions, it were strange if there should not result consequen- ces similar in their nature, and ere long this * Col. Stewart says that this treaty was formed by Col. Bouquet in 1701 instead of llti'J. 182 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. did happen. A party of armed men entered the cabin of Logan, a celebrated Mingo chief and in his absence slaughtered his family, con- sisting of women and children. This chief, upon his return, became indignant, implaca- ble, and irreconcilable. Another massacre was perpetrated far up the Ohio, upon a set- tlement of peaceable Indians, inhabiting the borders of Grave creek. This outrage and the murder of Bald Eagle, a Delaware chief, are believed to have been the first violations of the treaty of 1763. Indians consider it an imperative duty to revenge the death of their friends. The hatchet was consequently raised and blood streamed along the frontier throughout its length and breadth. Thus these imprudent men, by murdering those Indians in time of peace, brought destruc- tion on hundreds, and perhaps thousands of defenceless individuals. This state of things continued until the year 1774. In this year the government of Virginia determined to send an army into the Indian country. One division of this army was to be levied from the Redstone country, near Pittsburg, and from the north-eastern counties of the great Valley, to march under the immediate com- mand of Lord Dun more, governor of Vir- ginia. Another division was to be raised west of the Blue Ridge, chiefly from the counties of Augusta and Butetourt, to be under command of General Andrew Lewis of the latter county, and were directed to march directly through the mountains to the mouth of the Great Kanawha, and then' to await the arrival of the governor with the first division. About the first of September nearly all the troops destined for the south- ern division of the army had assembled in Greenbriar and pitched their tents at Camp Union, * where Lewisburg now stands. A few companies, however, which were to have been raised on the head-waters of Holston and New River, under the direction of Col. Christian, had not yet arrived. Lor these General Lewis waited several days, but ap- prehending that longer delay might be detri- mental to the success of the campaign, on the 11th of the month he ordered his troops to strike their tents and commence their march. They amounted to a thousand armed men, and were soon joined by Major Field with seventy volunteers from Culpepper. * Col. Sic wail calls this station Fort Savannah. There were besides a number of unarmed attendants, such as pack-horse-drivers, bul- lock-drivers, &c. The subsistence of the troops was a per-diem allowance of flour and fresh beef. The flour and camp equipage were conveyed on pack-horses ; the bullocks were driven in the rear of the army and slaughtered as occasion required. Since there was neither road nor pathway through the mountainous wilderness, Captain Ar- buckle preceded with a band of men who acted as pioneers to examine and mark out the route for the army. This was so laid out as to strike high on the Kanawha, near to the point where it takes its name and thence down its right bank. At the mouth of the Elk a halt was made for the purpose of con- structing canoes to transport the heavy bag- gage to Point Pleasant. By this scheme it was intended to get rid of the incumbrance of all those pack-horses, which would not be want- ed after a junction with the northern division. The canoes being completed, the army moved forward and arrived at Point Pleasant on the last day of September. This point is a pro- montory formed by the Great Kanawha and Ohio rivers, where the former falls into the latter at right angles. As the northern di- vision had not reached this place and no ad- vices nor orders had been received from the Governor, the troops were directed to form an encampment. For this purpose the pro- montory afforded ground highly eligible, de- fended on the north by the Ohio and on the south-west by the Kanawha, whilst its eastern side lay open to an immense wilder- ness. This promontory was elevated con- siderably above the high-water mark, and af- forded an extensive and variegated prospect of the surrounding country. Here were seen hills, mountains, valleys, cliffs, plains, and promontories, all covered with gigantic for- ests, the growth of centuries, standing in their native grandeur and integrity, unsub- dued, unmutilated by the hand of man, wear- ing the livery of the season and raising aloft in mid air their venerable trunks and branches as if to del'v the lightning of the sky and the fury of the whirlwind. This widely extend- ed prospect, though rudely magnificent and picturesque, wauled, nevertheless, some of those softer features which might embellish and beautify, or if the expression were per- mitted, might civilize the savage wildness of HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 183 some of Nature's noblest efforts. Here were to be seen no villages nor hamlets, not a farm house nor cottage, no fields nor meadows with their appropriate furniture, shocks of corn nor herds of domestic animals. In its widest range the eye would in vain seek to discover a cultivated spot of earth on which to repose. Here were no marks of industry, nor of the exercise of those arts which minister to the comfort and convenience of man ; here Na- ture had for ages on ages held undisputed empire. In the deep and dismal solitude of these woodlands the lone wanderer would have been startled by the barking of the watch-dog, or the shrill clarion of a chanti- cleer. Here the whistling of the plough-boy or the milk-maid's song, sounds elsewhere heard with pleasing emotions, would have been incongruous and out of place. From this same promontory were to be seen two mighty rivers, travelling in different directions, from far distant sources, rolling on with strong but noiseless current their immense volumes of water, here about to unite their forces and form one majestic stream and this too hastening away South- Westwardly in a serpentine course to min- gle his waters with the floods of the Missis- sippi. This great collection of water which had from time immemorial flowed in one un- broken current, connecting the frozen moun- tains of the North with the Father of riv- ers, must have been a subject of wonder and admiration to the lately arrived troops. The Ohio river when found a century ago was named by the French "La Belle," the Beautiful. From its possessing an assem- blage of beauties it seems to have a just claim to this appellation. "Though deep yet clear, though gentle yet not (hill, Strong without lage, without o'erflowing full." The beauties of this river were all from Na- ture ; cities or towns had not arisen on its margin ; no water-craft rested on its bosom : not a boat or bark was seen to diversify its surface or give it animation. So far as it respected man, it was a watery waste, unin- teresting, unprofitable and unpromising For as yet no one had dreamed that ere long this would become a high-way of commerce or that numerous swift ships would be at no dis- tant day seen stemming its current, freighted with the fruits and fabrics and riches of other dim is . transp n i i< th< m for exchangi and thus meeting the wishes and wants of thou- sands of civilized inhabitants residing on its borders and spread abroad on the adjoining regions. The mind ot man is often busied in searching alter novelties and possibilities, and sometimes alter impossibilities. Yet it is believed that at the time of which we are now speaking, no one had anticipated those astonishing changes which have since taken place in the Western country and which have been the result of human ingenuity, industry and enterprise. The troops now lay encamped in the vi- cinity of the enemy, — an enemy subtle and insidious, and who, roused by danger, would exert all his energy and strength and employ every artifice to destroy or drive from his borders these hostile invaders. General Lewis himself possessed military talents and had much experience in Indian warfare. He could therefore pretty correctly estimate the circumstances in which he found himself placed and is said to have been much dissat- isfied with the course which the affairs of the campaign had taken. Before entering on the command he had been assured that he would be met at Point Pleasant by the Northern troops, which united with his own would constitute an army able to overawe the enemy and penetrate his country. But this assurance had not been verified. No North- ern troops had arrived ; no advices had been received. He found himself now far advanc- ed in the wilderness, with only a few raw. un- disciplined militia to stand against all theforce which numerous tribes of savages confedera- ted in one common cause, might embody, to destroy their common enemy. He was so- licitous not only for the troops under his im- mediate command, but also for the eventual success ot' the campaign. What opposition the army might meet with on entering the enemy's territory; what delays, disasters and difficulties he might be obliged to encounter in a country whose geography was but little known ; how far it might be necessary for the army to proceed and what length of time would be necessary for completing its ope- rations, — were problems which could be solv- ed only by actual experiment. General Lewis saw that much of the season for active opera- tion had already passed away. The days were becoming short and the weather cold, 184 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. and if the severity of the winter should stop the progress of the army before the Indians were subdued, nothing would be gained and the public expectation would be disappoint- ed. When he first arrived at Point Pleasant, he sent runners to find the head-quarters of the Governor and bring advices. He also undertook the erection of a block-house, which was designed to be a depository for such baggage and stores as the army would not need while traversing the Indian coun- try, but which might be left here under the protection of a guard until the army should return to this place. He also adopted other precautionary measures for the safety of the troops, among these was an order prohibit- ing the soldiers from leaving the camp with- out permission. This was designed to pre- vent the men from going out singly or in small groups, lest they should be cut off by the scouts of the enemy and also that all the troops might be ready to act promptly and efficiently in any emergency. But this or- der was not regarded. Many of the men continued to go out every day for the pur- pose of hunting as they had done before the order was issued. This was irksome and unpleasant to the commander, who was vested with ample authority, but without the power to enforce obedience. To resort to military punishment would have been vain. Most of the men and some of the officers indulged a spirit of insubordination, and coercion might have produced open muti- ny. Whilst the troops lay here, some dis- content took place on account of the dis- tribution of provision. Certain companies complained of partiality, alleging that they had drawn beef of very inferior quality, whilst other companies fared much better. This drew forth an order from the commander, directing that all beef of an inferior qual- ity should be first slaughtered and distribu- ted to the troops alike. This order was is- sued on the 9th of October, and on the next morning before the break of day at least one hundred of the soldiers had left the camp to seek their rations in the woods. Before this all the game in the immediate vicinity of the camp had been killed or driven oil". About break of day, on the morning of the 10th of October, a strong band of Indians was found advancing on the camp. A de- tachment from the army ordered to meel them commenced a heavy fire soon after sunrise. By this time the hunters had pro- ceeded so far as to be quite out of hearing, and knew nothing about the battle until they returned in the evening. A few hunters, perhaps half-a-dozen, who had taken their course up the river, met the Indians and were killed or driven back. Thus by this act of disobedience the army was deprived on this important occasion of about a hundred of its best marksmen, or nearly one-tenth of its whole number. Had these been present, the action would probably have been of short- er duration and less disastrous. The army under General Lewis had never been sub- jected to discipline. It had been gathered in a mountainous country and brought with it a spirit of freedom and independence, a spirit which mountaineers always possess, which sometimes prompts to great and noble deeds, but which is wholly incompatible with the life and duties of a soldier, unless when modified and corrected by much training and discipline. These men were healthy, active and energetic and accustomed to the toils and privations of new settlers. They were well prepared for the hardships of a military life and when tried in battle were found to possess that firm and persevering courage which insures victory. They were indeed the raw materials from which by proper train- ing, might have been manufactured as gal- lant and efficient soldiers as ever manoeu- vred on the fields of Warsaw and Waterloo. Let us return from this digression. At an early day the Indians had become acquaint- ed with the movements in Virginia and even with the plan of the campaign. The Shawnees rightly judging that they would be the first ob- ject of attack, called in their out-posts, viz ; their hunting and marauding parties, and strengthened themselves by renewing their al- liance with many other tribes, thus securing their aid and co-operation. Even while Gen- eral Lewis was on his march, the warriors were assembling. Their place of rendezvous was between Chilicothe and Point Pleasant, not far distant from the latter. Their intention at first had been to attack the army while crossing the river, but afterwards it was de- termined that it should be permitted to pass undisturbed and commence its march with the view of cutting it off more completely by ambuscade in the wilderness country. HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 185 This course was probably suggested by some aged warrior, who, nineteen years before, had witnessed the success of the stratagem by which the army of Braddock was allowed to cross the Monongahela and proceed with- out interruption until it fell into the embrace of destruction. As the Indians while on a foray have no supplies of provisions, save what every man carries for his own use, it necessarily hap- pens that where any considerable number are embodied, their excursion must be of short duration. They had already been assembled some length of time, but as General Lewis since his arrival had kept himself closeh within his encampment, they had found no opportunity for attacking him to advantage, nor could it be foreseen when such opportu- nity might offer. Under these circumstan- ces they became apprehensive of scarcity, which might cause a breaking up of their camp and a dispersion of their forces. A council of their chiefs was therefore called. Here it was proposed that they should cross the river some miles above Point Pleasant and inarch down in the night undiscovered, so that they might at break of day surprise the camp and carry it by general assault. Cornstalk, a noted Shawnee chief, opposed this course, alleging that war was not for the interest of the Indians and that overtures for peace should be made to the whites. But overruled by numbers, he acquiesced, re- minding the council that they who had now declared for war, were responsible for the consequences and must fight with great bra- very, while he would himself accompany them and witness their performance. Ac- cordingly on the evening of the 9th of Octo- ber, soon after dark, they began to cross the river on rafts previously prepared. To ferry so many men over this wide river and on these clumsy transports must have required considerable time. But before morning they were all on the eastern bank ready to pro- ceed. Their route now lay down the margin of the river, through an extensive bottom. On this bottom was a heavy growth of tim- ber, with a foliage so dense as in many pla- ces to intercept in a great measure the light of the moon and stars. Beneath lay many trunks of fallen trees, strewed in difFerenl directions and in various stages of decay. The whole surface of the ground was cover- ed with a luxuriant growth of weeds, inter- spersed with entangling vines and creepers and in some places with close-set thickets of spice-wood or other undergrowth. A jour- ney through this in the night, must have been tedious, tiresome, dark and dreary. The Indians, however, entered on it prompt- ly and persevered until break of day, when about a mile distant from the camp, one of those unforeseen incidents occurred, which so often totally defeat or greatly mar the best concerted military enterprises. Two soldiers from the camp, wishing to make a success- ful hunt, set out before day in order to be on the hunting ground as soon as it was light enough to discover the game. These were met and fired on; one of them fell; the other, whose name was Robertson,* after- wards known in Tennessee by the title of Colonel, not relishing this rough situation so early in the morning, retraced his steps with all convenient speed to the camp, where he related his adventures to the commander-in- chief. " While he was yet speaking" his account was confirmed by other hunters who had seen the Indians. Three hundred men were ordered out as a party of discovery and observation, under the command of Colonel Charles Lewis, brother of the commander- in-chief, and Col. William Fleming. These set forward at sun-rise, in obedience to their orders, and when less than half a mile distant from the camp encountered the whole force of the enemy. The line of white men ex- tended in a direction across the bottom, where it was fully a mile wide, the left, com- manded by Colonel Fleming, resting on the river bank ; the right, under Lewis, extended far toward the rising ground or blulVol' Crook- ed creek, a branch of the Kanawha. The attack was first made on the right, but the firing was soon heard along the whole extent of the line, and for a short time was very sharp and here several of the combatants fell on both sides. But believing themselves to be orcatly overpowered by numbers, and both the leaders, Lewis and Fleming being wound- ed, the former mortally, the latter severely, the whole party fell back, but not in confu- sion. They continued pretty well embodied, * Col. Stewart says that his name was Moony and that he stopped before his lent-door, to relate his adventure. Col. I. 'hi- calls Liu. Robertson, which is confirmed by Messrs. Kin! & Moore. The one who "as killed, was named Hickman, according to Col. Stewart. •21 186 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. much as they had been when the action com- menced, and kept up a constant fire which retarded the pursuit of the enemy and gave time for the arrival of a re-inforcement. This onset produced great alarm in the camp. The weight of the firino- showed that the en- emy were re-inforced and the progression of the sound, that they were nearing the camp. A re-inforcement of fifteen men was ordered from each company, amounting probably to less than two hundred and fifty. A tumul- tuous state of affairs prevented this order from being executed with precision. Some, anticipating the order, had hastened to relieve their brethren and were already in the field. Others promptly obeyed the call when it was received. A portion appeared to move slow- ly as if reluctant to quit the camp, while another portion, and not a few, as was thought, mingling with the promiscuous crowd con- cealed themselves, evaded the order and thus kept out of harm's way. As this re-inforce- ment advanced, not in a body, but in disor- derly succession, it was long exposed and suffered much from the enemy, before it could be arranged in the line of battle. The re- treating party now strengthened and encour- aged, refused farther to give ground, whilst the Indians pressed on with great earnest- ness and being indignant at having their pro- gress checked, by their impetuosity suffered much in their turn. Although they had been foiled in their attempt of surprising the camp at break of day, yet now elated by their par- tial success, they hoped that by driving back the whites and furiously pursuing them into the camp, they might, amidst the confusion and carnage which would follow, gain their primary object, but the whites remained firm and immovable and now was the heat of the battle. The combatants stood opposite, each threatening death and destruction upon the other. Neither would retreat; neither could advance. The noise of the firing was tre- mendous. No single gun could be distin- guished, but it was one constant roar. The rille and tomahawk now did their work with dreadful certainty. The confusion and pertur- bation of the camp had now arrived at their greatest height. The ground of the encamp- ment was an area of triangular form, two sides of which were bounded by the rivers Ohio and Kanawha, and the third exposed to the battle-ground. On the area, there were men to the number of six or eight hundred, of various descriptions, armed and unarmed, all pent up by the great waters in the rear, and the eremy in front, without an avenue by which to escape. None knew the strength of the enemy ; all knew that the whites had been retreating and were now on the very verge cf the camp and that by another push, if the Indians had the strength to make it, the camp might become the battle-ground. The confused noise and wild uproar of battle, added greatly to the terror of the scene. The shouting of the whites, while the re-inforce- ment was advancing, the continual roar of the fire-arms, the war-whoop and dismal yel- ling of the Indians, sounds harsh and grating when heard separately, became by mixture and combination highly discordant and terrific. Add to this the constant succession of the dead and wounded, brought off from the bat- tle-field, many of these with shattered limbs and lacerated flesh, pale, ghastly, and disfig- ured, and besmeared with gore, their " gar- ments rolled in blood," and uttering doleful cries of lamentation and distress ; others faint, feebly and exhausted by loss of blood, scarce- ly able with quivering lips to tell their ail to passers-by. Sounds and sights and circum- stances such as these were calculated to ex- cite general solicitude for the issue of the battle, and alarm in each individual for his own personal safety. Early in the day Gen- eral Lewis had ordered a breast-work to be constructed from the Ohio to the Kanawha, thus severing the camp from the neighbour- ing forest. This breast-work was formed by felling trees and so disposing of their trunks and branches, as to form a barrier which was difficult to pass. It was designed that should the enemy gain an ascendency in the field, this barrier might prevent their entrance into the camp, while at the same time it might serve as a protection to the garrison that was within. The sun had not ascended far in his midway path when the storm of battle be- gan to subside and the firing to abate. Both parties had put forth their most strenuous efforts and both had sustained heavy loss ; yet both seemed willing to continue the con- test. Nevertheless, as if taught by experi- ence, both seemed willing to shelter them- selves carefully and avoid exposure, whilst at the same time they were careful to em- ploy every opportunity for annoying their HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 187 enemy. Seldom now did any one expose himself to view and when such an occur- rence took place, five or ten or perhaps more guns were discharged from the opposite line. After this there was silence until a like oc- currence again took place. In this desul- tory way the battle was continued for a con- siderable time. Although the Indians had manifested a disposition to continue the con- test, they had in fact already determined to quit the field and had taken precautionary measures to render their retreat more secure. A portion of their force was detailed to con- ceal the dead, that their scalps might not come into possession of the enemy and to remove the wounded to a place of safety. Whilst this detachment was performing these duties, the main body maintained the line of battle and kept the white men at bay. But as soon as it was known that the wounded were placed in security, the whole Indian line fell back several hundred yards and there in ambush awaited the approach of their pur- suers. These followed with too little cau- tion and suffered for their temerity. Several times the Indians practised the same manoeu- vre by retreating and concealing themselves, and in each of these stations exhibited the same kind of desultory warfare. The last of these positions proved advantageous for shel- ter and concealment and here the Indians remained for several hours, maugre all the efforts of the whites to dislodge them. At length Captain Shelby, since governor of Kentucky and noted for his skill and in- trepidity in Indian warfare, was ordered by the commander-in-chief with a party of men to pass round south of the battle-ground and gain a station in the rear of the enemy, or at least one from which he might enfilade their line. This was nearly accomplished, when the design was discovered, and soon after the whole of the Indians fied the field. The day was now far spent; the men were exhausted by hunger, fatigue and anxiety. Nothing it was thought could be gained by further pursuit. The victory was complete and the troops returned to the camp. The foregoing sketch of the retreat of the Indians was taken from conversations held with individuals, who had themselves been in the battle. These on several minor points did not entirely harmonize, but considering the circumstances in which they were placed during the day and the great lapse of time since this occurrence, a coincidence of views could not be expected. This retreat in its plan and execution has generally been thought to have been made with skill and dexterity. European and Indian battles are so different in their character as hardly to admit of comparison. But had a skilful of- ficer of high reputation in modern warfare conducted this retreat precisely as it was done by Cornstalk and his associates, the milita- ry character of such officer, it is believed, would not have suffered by the performance. At first the Indians expected, by surprising the camp, to gain possession of it and its scalps and its spoils. But failing in this and losing many of their warriors, their next purpose was to escape from the whites with as little further loss and delay as possi- ble. Their great difficulty seems to have been to secure the wounded. Many of these had been disabled two or three miles from that point of the river, where the rafts had been moored and to which point it was ne- cessary that they should all be transported in order to recross. With their means of trans- portation this must have required much time and labor. But after the retreat commen- ced the Indian chief managed with so much adroitness, that the pursuers had not gained probably more than one mile and a half, cer- tainly not two miles in six or seven hours. Thus it happened that the whole band had time to recross the river in the evening, or first part of the night. Not a prisoner was made nor one of the wounded fell into the hands of his enemies. To conduct a retreat successfully requires generally greater and more various talents than to gain a victory. The retreat of the ten thousand Greeks through many hostile nations, brought into exercise greater and more diversified talents than the celebrated victory over Darius king of Persia. The former conducted by Xeno- phon, gained for him a more enviable repu- tation than had ever been conceded to the hair-brained son of Philip of Macedon. The former saved from inevitable destruction a numerous band of his countrymen and re- stored them to their native land. The latter caused the destruction of a great Prince and myriads of his numerous army, whose only crime was to defend themselves against a total overthrow. 188 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. The retreat of Washington in 1777 with but the skeleton of an army — a mere forlorn hope, elicited more and greater military vir- tues, than any period of his eventful life, not excepting even that proud occasion when at Yorktown, Virginia, the British standard fell before him. In the year 1755, when but a youth, this same Washington gave an earn- est of his future greatness when he collected and conducted the shattered remains of Brad- dock's army. On this occasion he discover- ed such strength of mind, such maturity of judgment and such decision of character, as are rarely united with age and experience. Another example to the same point might be given in the person of General Greene. The retreat of the Southern army in the winter of 1781, through a wasted country, abounding with enemies for hundreds of miles, without any loss of men, artillery or baggage, al- though pursued by a superior force under a skilful General, must have required no or- dinary military skill. On entering Virginia and receiving re-inforcements, he faced and fought the gallant Cornwalhs, who in his turn was forced to retreat, leaving his dead and wounded to the mercy of his enemy. And now without loss of time General Greene traversed the country, where he had been a fugitive, rapidly reducing the enemy's out-posts, so that in a few months he was in separate graves. Here was no pomp or pageantry, no muffled drums; no minute guns, no vollies of platoons were fired over their grave. Badges of mourning, ensigns of sorrow were not in demand. The reality itself was here. Sorrow was depicted upon every countenance. Those very men, who but yesterday, with stern brow and dauntless breast in the fore front of the hottest battle, defied the most ruthless of the savage foe, were now seen suffused with tears and melted with grief. This was not from mental imbe- cility or feminine weakness. To lament the fate of the brave who fall in the cause of their country, and to perpetuate their mem- ory is the dictate of humanity; it is charac- teristic of noble and generous minds, the uniform practice of every age and the duty of every people. I would not envy the har- dihood of him who could, without sensible emotion, witness such a scene. He must doubtless be destitute of one of the noblest attributes of our nature. This solemn ser- vice is now ended : dust has returned to dust and other duties await the survivors. They must bid a long adieu to the dead, whose re- mains rest here, far from their home and be- loved friends. Here in the bosom of a vast wilderness, the haunt of wild beasts, where rude savages roam and where a civilized foot has seldom trod, — here, free from all sublu- compelled to concentrate all his forces at two nary tumult, may they repose in peaceful si- points. The points being both accessible to shipping were convenient stations from which to run away. Thus we see that General Greene had the courage to retreat when he could not meet the enemy on equal terms ; that this retreat was conducted without loss ; and that eventually he was able to establish peace and order in the Southern Country. On the morning of the 11th, the day after the battle of Point Pleasant, about twenty* dead bodies required the rites of sepulture. Pre- parations were accordingly made to perform the duty with as much decent respect as cir- cumstances would permit. Large pits were opened; coflins and shrouds were out of the question ; every man's blanket served for his winding-sheet. The bodies were laid side by side on the cold earth, and the same mate- rial was used to cover and conceal them from view. A few, however, in accordance with the wishes of their friends were interred * Oilier accounts make the number forty. lence, till that great eventful day when land and sea shall give up their dead ! During the border wars the slain of the vanquished were seldom buried. To bury them would have been often difficult, sometimes dangerous ; besides, the inveterate enmity which then ex- isted between the white men and the Indians, precluded all acts of humanity or courtesy. The vengeful savage sometimes pursued his adversary even beyond the confines of life, mutilating and disfiguring the breathless car- cass. Nor was the white man always free from such atrocities. But on the present occasion there would have been neither dif- ficulty nor danger. To have buried the dead would have comported with the superior civ- ilization and intelligence of the white man and his pretensions to religion and it might have softened the ferocity of Indians, to know that the remains of their warriors which might fall into the hands of their enemies would be treated with respect. That this was not done HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 189 we think is attributable rather to the charac- ter of the times, than to any peculiar perver- sity in the temper or character of the actors. Be this as it may, certain it is, that more than twenty bodies of the Indians, who fell in bat- tle, were permitted to putrify and decay on the ground where they expired, or to be de- voured by birds or beasts of prey. The moun- tain eagle, lord of the feathered race, whilst from his lofty cairn, with piercing eye, he surveyed the varied realms around and far beneath, would not fail to descry the sump- tuous feast prepared for his use. Here he might whet his beak and feast and fatten and exult. Over these the gaunt wolf, grim tyrant of the forest, might prolong his mid- night revelry and howl their funeral elegy. Whilst far remote, in the deepest gloom of the wilderness, whither they had lied for safety, the surviving warriors might wail their fate, or chant a requiem to their departed spirits. Meanwhile the deceased themselves equally regardless of the waitings of friends and the neglect and indignity offered to their own perishable remains, rest in quietness and sleep as soundly as if entombed with honor and pomp amid all the paraphernalia of a military funeral. This was undoubtedly one of the most ob- stinately contested battles ever fought on the Western frontier. It commenced with the rising sun and ended about four o'clock in the afternoon. The proportion of killed and wounded was very great. On the largest calculation there could not have been more than five hundred and fifty whites in the field. Of these one hundred and forty-four were killed and wounded, being more than one- fourth of the whole number, and making an average of more than one for every four minutes during the time the battle lasted. It would not be easy to produce another in- stance in which undisciplined men held out for such a length of time, whilst sustaining so great a loss of numbers; and, indeed, such an example can seldom be found among dis- ciplined troops. In the battle of Waterloo, the English had thirty-six thousand men in the field; the content was obstinate and for a long time doubtful ; they fought with troops equally brave and well disciplined as them- selves. Victory finally declared in favor of the English. The British official returns give nine thousand, nine hundred and nine- ty-nine men killed and wounded, being more than a fourth, but not a third of the whole number. In the battle of Bunker Hill, two thousand, five hundred undisciplined militia, with no other arms than they had been ac- customed to use about home and without ar- tillery, had voluntarily assembled on an emi- nence, near Boston, in the night, and before morning had thrown up a slight entrench- ment and when discovered, the British com- mander ordered three thousand veteran troops to dislodge them ; these were completely armed, led on by skilful Generals and sup- ported by a battery and shipping; twice they assailed the militia and were as often repul- sed ; at the third attack, the ammunition of the Provincials having failed and being des- titute of bayonets, they were compelled to retreat, leaving between four and five hun- dred killed and wounded. The British offi- cial returns made their loss one thousand and fifty-six — being more than a third of the whole number engaged in the battle. An example of so great a proportionate loss can scarcely be found in the annals of war, un- less indeed where great disparity of numbers or some untoward circumstances caused a rout instead of a battle. The battle of Bun- ker Hill is in every respect unexampled, and if we may be allowed to use the phrase, a perfect non-descript. The number of Indians engaged in the battle of Point Pleasant is altogether uncer- tain. Some of the hunters who saw them early in the morning, reported them as very numerous, covering several acres of ground. The first party under General Charles Lewis retreated, alleging that they were greatly overpowered by the number of the enemy. The line of the Indians during the battle was co-extensive with that of the whites, stretch- ing from the river quite across the bottom, about a mile to Crooked creek. It is said to be a maxim of Indian policy, never wil- lingly to fight an equal force without some manifest advantage and this maxim seems to be founded on common sense ; for little can be gained in a contest where blows are equal on both sides. In this battle the In- dians maintained the fight with great ob.-ti- nacy, which they would not have done ac- cording to this maxim, had they not consid- ered themselves superior in numbers. Whilst General Lewis with his army was inarching 190 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. from Greenbrier and lying at Point Pleasant, the Shawnees had full time to form confed- eracies and engage assistance from the neigh- boring tribes, who, it was known, made a common cause on all occasions against the whites. It has already been said that twenty white men expired on the battle-ground. Nineteen Indians were found dead in the field and three were discovered on the day follow- ing, who had been imperfectly concealed. How many killed and wounded were borne off, there are no means of ascertaining. " They were discovered throwing their dead into the Ohio all the day '*" All the circum- stances show that the Indians were numerous, and the probability is that theygreatly ex- ceeded the number of whites engaged in the battle. In Europe, where despots send forth their tens and hundreds of thousands of hirelings to slaughter each other, the loss of Point Pleasant would be thought inconsider- able, scarcely worthy of notice. But let it be considered that these men were taken from a large district of country, as yet but thinly inhabited, where each individual might be acquainted with every other for six or eight milesaround. A common interest, common dangers and a common sympathy cemented them together. A portion of these were men in the prime of life, possessing intelli- gence, influence and respectability. Anoth- er portion of them were younger, most of whom gave good promise of future worth. These were not hirelings ; no mercenary mo- tives had led them to battle. They went at their country's call for the protection of the defenceless frontier. They met the enemy and theirs was the fate of war. But they fell not ingloriously like the slain on Mount Gil- boa ; their weapons of war perished not, nor was their shield vilely cast away ; they fell fighting bravely and their death contributed to the victory that followed. General Lewis soon after the battle re- ceived orders t from the governor to march the troops to a certain point in the Indian * So says Col. Andrew Lewis of Montgomery, yet liv- ing. [1836] t Col. Slew. nl says : " On the day before the battle some scouts came down the river from his lordship's camp ex- press to General Lewis with orders to cross the river and march his troops to the Shawnee towns, where he would meet us with his army." But Col. A. Lewis of Montgom- ery says, that General Lewis crossed the river without any orders. Aftergiving an account ol the battle and things pre- vious, his words are: — -" All this time nothing was heard from Dunmore;" and again, "He received no orders from the governor after lie left the encampment in Greenbrier ;" and gain, " Gen. Lewis was mver ordeied to cross the river." country. This he did, crossing the Ohio three miles above Point Pleasant. During their march Indians were often seen hover- ing around, hanging on their skirts or rear, and sometimes in front. Apprehensions were entertained of a battle, but no hostili- ties took place. On the last day of their march, when ten or fifteen miles from the governor's camp, a flag met General Lewis, bearing an order from Dunmore to halt where he then was. To this General Lewis seemed to pay no attention, but continued his march. The flag returned and in a few hours appear- ed again with another order to the same ef- fect; this order was treated as the first and the march continued until the army arrived at a convenient place for encampment, within three miles of the governor's head-quarters, who had marched his troops directly to this place from the Redstone country. Very soon after halting, it was discovered that there were in this neighborhood great num- bers of wild turkeys and in a very little time a strong detachment of troops armed and equipped for the purpose, fearlessly sallied forth to make an attack on them. Marching on with hasty step in loose phalanx with trailed arms, the object of their search was soon descried in close order, standing aghast, with heads erect, admiring this novel phe- nomenon, — a regiment of white faces, what they had never before seen, in dread array ap- proaching, — surprised indeed, but not ter- rified, for thought they, " what punishment shall we fear doing no wrong ?" Suddenly and unexpectedly, when within half rifle- shot, there commenced a heavy firing, which soon became extensive. From this they soon learned that innocence is not always a protection against injury. They now be- came disconcerted and fell back. The firing continued with great rapidity and the tur- keys being hard pressed and closely pursued through copse and glen, over hill and dale, and being much fatigued and despairing of restoring the fortunes of the day, suddenly betook themselves to flight, leaving the con- querors in full possession of the field. They glorying in their victory, now returned to the camp, conveying with them at least five hun- dred scalps of the enemy. * These were not rudely and barbarously torn from the heads of the slain, but the bodies, necks and heads * This engagement was styled "The Battle of the Tur- key Gobblers." HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 191 were borne to camp, with the scalps stick- ing as close as night-caps and all exhibited to public view, so that there could be no de- ception. And now glee and merriment pre- vailed, every man vaunting and boasting of his own exploits and adventures. But the exultation was not complete till the returns from the proper officers were made and it was found that although the affray was long and bloody and had lasted for more than twice forty minutes, yet not one man was Montgomery, it will be seen how much the troops under General Lewis were incensed against Dunmore. He says, " General Lewis had to double and triple the guard over his marquee, to prevent the men from killing the governor and the Indians," who came with him to the camp. * The governor now ordered General Lewis forthwith to lead his troops back to Point Pleasant ; to leave a garrison in the fort with necessary stores for them and the wounded ; lost, either killed, wounded, or missing. The then to conduct the residue of the army back firing had been so heavy that it was heard in to the settlements and discharge them. All the governor's camp three miles distant and which was accordingly done and the cam- it was there believed, that the Indians and paign ended. white men under Lewis had gotten to hard knocks again. The Redstone boys seizing their arms hastily ran across the plain, anx- ious to know the certainty and if necessary to act a part. Before their arrival the en- gagement was over and the troops had re- turned, but what was the surprise of the al- lied troops, when they were told that all this fuss was nothing more than an attack upon one of the most harmless and helpless of the feathered race ? And their surprise was not diminished, when they were convinced by signs that could not be mistaken, that the conquerors, cannibal-like, were about to de- vour the bodies of the slain. The Redstone troops were a fine set of fellows and gave no symptom of backwardness to take a brush with any equal number of the tawny sons of the West. Their uniform dress gave them a martial air, which rendered them superior in appearance to the troops under General Lew- is. The Lewisites were willing to admit all this and that the Redstone boys had in some respects the superiority over them, yet not- withstanding the motley mixture in color and materials with which they were clothed, they piqued themselves not a little in having been fairly tried in battle a few days before and found able to stand fire and drive their ene- my out of the field. On the same day the governor visited the camp, held converse with General Lewis and his officers, and no doubt communicated to them the provisions of the treaty which he had already formed with the Indian chiefs. * From the account given by Col. A. Lewis of * Col. A. Lewis of Montgomery says : " Nor was there any treaty made until the spring ; after the battle General Lewis held a treaty with them, in which they were bound to keep hostages of their chiefs at the Fort Point Pleasant." The results of this campaign were various. 'The fall of so many brave men was lamented. This clothed many families and neighbor- hoods in mourninff. But the Indians were defeated and many of their warriors were killed or crippled. Thus weakened and dispirited they desi- red peace. Peace was desirable to the white settlements also. Thev^ had experienced but little tranquillity since the first settlement of the country. But peace was more peculiar- ly desirable in a national point of view. The provinces were on the eve of a war with Great Britain, and hostilities actually commenced in the Spring of 1775. This produced uni- versal anarchy ; all government was dissolved. In Virginia the governor prorogued the As- sembly and having by a series of unwarran- table acts, forfeited public confidence, con- scious of crime, he meditated safety by flight from the resentment of an injured people. Having found refuge in an armed vessel, he commenced a petty-larceny war on the plan- tations, hamlets and water-craft along the shore of the Chesapeake. At length wea- ried of doing nothing, he left his retinue of renegade whites and runaway negroes to shift for themselves and having by a perfidious course of conduct, inscribed, " here lieth," on his deceased honor, he quitted the pro- vince. " Sic transit gloria mundi !" But this state of anarchy, in Virginia, was short-lived. The people spontaneously elec- ted members for a new assembly. These having met, a governor and other civil offi- cers were appointed ; a constitution for the State was formed on republican principles; a system of finance established ; sundry ne- Jce A. Lewis' letter in Appendix- 192 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. cessary laws enacted and militory officers appointed to enlist soldiers for the national defence. All this was done in a short time without tumult or turmoil. People then were honest, and officers faithful. There was no intriguing for office, or scrambling for the loaves and fishes. Had an Indian war bro- ken out simultaneously with the war for in- dependence ; during this state of chaos and confusion, had that immense swarm of taw- ny savages, which assailed General Lewis in 1774, been let loose on the long unprotected line of frontier, the consequences must have been awfully destructive and terrible. In no part of Western Virginia was the population at that time numerous. Some portions of the country, from the fewness of its inhabi- tants, must have been deserted or destroyed. Where there was a greater population, resis- tance would have been made. People would have contended desperately for their houses and their homes, and probably the enemy would have been repulsed. But to have ef- fected this and to have guarded against fu- ture incursions, would have required the whole military strength of the upper country. There would have been no surplus for national purposes. Throughout the revolution, Vir- ginia occupied a middle position among the States, giving assistance to the North or the South as occasion required. But now lop- ped of her Western limb, by this Indian war, she could have done but little more than guard her own Eastern border, and not only proved an inefficient ally, but dividing the members of the confederacy from each other by the whole breadth of her territory, must have obstructed their union and co-operation in matters of mutual interest. Such a state of things might have greatly embarrassed and perplexed the Carolinas and Georgia, and might have imposed upon them the necessity of resuming their former allegiance and ask- ing protection from that power from which they had revolted. It is not however proba- ble that this state of things would have pro- ved fatal to the American cause. The spirit of the people had been roused and could have been quieted by nothing less than the independence of the country. It may be thought that as the inhabitants of the upper country were not numerous, so her military strength would be proportionally weak, and that, therefore, the abstraction of this from the national cause, could not be sensibly felt. But though the population was not numerous, yet it was a white population. The black population, in the upper country, was at that time scarcely worthy of notice, while East of the Blue Ridge, negroes may have amounted to one-third or one-fourth of the whole popu- lation. Hence it happened that the military strength of Western Virginia, was much greater than that of Eastern Virginia, in pro- portion to their respective population. Wes- tern Virginia was now new. Few settle- ments had been made for more than thirty or forty years. Her population had been made by emigrants from abroad. Such emigra- tions are generally composed of men in the prime of life, and thus the military strength of this country was proportionally greater than in the settlements of Old Virginia, where the population was from natural increase. From these two causes the military strength of the upper country was much greater than might have been at first supposed. These were all armed with rifles, were proud of their arms and expert in their use. A rifle- man in those days would have thought him- self degraded by being compelled to carry a musket. In going into battle he had great confidence in himself and in his fellows. Not regardless of personal safety, he always, where it could be conveniently found, pos- sessed himself of a tree or some other shelter, from behind which, with much composure, he annoyed his enemy. Economical in his expenditure of ammunition, he used his rifle with great precision, always solicitous that one ball should bring down two of his foes. Whenever this class of soldiers was found in the North or in the South, they soon fought themselves into notice. At Stillwater and Saratoga, at King's Mountain, the Cowpens, Guilford and elsewhere, they were conspicu- ous. Could the ghosts of the daring Fergu- son and the cruel and sanguinary Tarleton be permitted to return and tell their story, the former would doubtless lament the fatal day when he, with hundreds of his deluded tory followers, fell before the sharp-shooting mountaineers, whilst the latter might rejoice and exult in having been able with nearly half his Myrmidons, by a precipitate flight, to escape from the horrid grasp of the iron- handed, uncourtly Morgan, who very uncer- emoniously made prisoners of the other half. HISTORY OP VIRGINIA. 193 But the Indian war that we have been con- templating was not realized. A number of Indian tribes did combine fortius purpose, and their warriors were assembled in great force. But the campaign being carried into the enemy's country, they were defeated in battle and disappointed in their expectations. This campaign has not been appreciated in proportion to its importance. It has been viewed as an insulated matter, designed solely for the protection of the frontier settlements. But its projectors had ulterior objects in view. The preparations made and great array of troops provided for this occasion, were in- tended to subdue the Indian tribes and deter them from interfering in the approaching con- test with Great Britain and this was com- pletely effected. For several years peace and quietness prevailed on the western fron- tier. During this period the first shock of the revolution had passed away; order and government were re-established ; armies were raised and battles fought, in many of which the success of American arms gave proof that the British lion was not invincible. Du- ring this period Virginia had full opportunity to employ the whole of her resources in the war of Independence. Two causes may be assigned why the advantages of this campaign were not duly appreciated. First it was fol- lowed by events of great magnitude in quick succession. Each more recent event by at- tracting public attention to itself in a great degree obscured and cast into the shade events which had preceded. The second cause may be found in the scene of action. The affairs of the campaign were transacted in the Indian country, far from the white set- tlements, and the battle was fought in the depths of the wilderness, where there were none to witness it save those engaged. Post- offices and post-riders were then unknown. There was but one newspaper then in Virgin- ia. This was a small sheet published weekly by Purdie and Dixon, at Williamsburg, then the capital of the State, and near her eastern bol- der. It was chiefly occupied at this time by the disputes between the colonies and the parent country, and had but a very limited circulation, from all which we may conclude, that the people of the commonwealth gen- erally had very imperfect information res- pecting the Indian war. The inhabitants ol that district, whence the Southern division ol the army had been taken, being solicitous concerning their friends and acquaintances who were in the service) many of whom sul- fered in battle, did by writing and otherwise maintain a correspondence with persons in the army, by which means they became better acquainted with the origin, progress and con- sequences of this campaign, than any other portion of the country. But as new sceneB during the revolution were continually rising to view, the Indian affairs were soon over- looked and forgotten. To form a just esti- mate of the importance of this campaign, it would be necessary to consider the charac- ter of the Indians, their propensity to war, the great combined strength that they pos- sessed in the year 1774, the indications which they had manifested of hostile intentions, the efforts used by British traders to urge them on to war, the defenceless state of the fron- tier, the distracted condition of the provinces in apprehension of war with great Britain; all these things being duly considered must unquestionably lead to the conclusion, that the battle of Point Pleasant, taken in con- nection with the treaty which immediately followed, constituted the first act in the great drama of the revolution ; that it had an im- portant bearing on all subsequent acts of that tragedy; that it materially and immediately influenced the destinies of our country and more remotely the destinies of many other countries, perhaps of the whole world. For about this time there had gone forth a spirit of enquiry whose object was to ascertain the rights of man, the source of legitimate gov- ernment, to diffuse political information and to put down all tyranny, oppression and mis- rule. This spirit also emanated to other countries, and although encumbered with ex- travagance and folly, which have doubtless marred its progress in some degree, it has nevertheless done much to correct abuses in government and ameliorate the condition of man. This spirit it is believed is still ope- rating throughout the world and it is hoped will continue its operations until all rulers shall be actuated by justice and benevolence and all subjects by a dutiful subordination, thus harmoniously co-operating in effect- ing a political reformation throughout the world. It is much to be regretted thai a complete history of this campaign has never been given 2"> 194 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. to the public. Several writers have noticed it incidentally or given a meagre outline, but no one, it is believed, lias entered into those circumstantial details which alone give in- terest to such a work. And now, after so great a lapse of years, it would be impossible to collect materials for this purpose. Never- theless, after some examination of the subject, the writer of these notes is induced to believe that by industry much information might yet be gleaned from various sources, enough it is thought to form a volume more satisfactory than anything heretofore published. Will not some capable hand undertake the task ? * Sel- dom has the pen of the historian been employ- ed on an enterprise productive of so many im- portant and beneficial results, accomplished in so short a time by so small a military force. A thousand and seventy soldiers, under Gen- eral Andrew Lewis, [12th of September, 1774,] left their rendezvous at Camp Union in Greenbriar, and having marched more than a hundred and fifty miles through a pathless forest and mountainous wilderness, on the 10th of October, eucountered and defeated at Point Pleasant the most formidable Indian confederacy ever leagued against western Virginia. The dead being buried and pro- vision made for the comfort of the wounded. General Lewis crossed the Ohio river and penetrated the country nearly to the enemy's towns. The defeat was so complete, that without hazarding another battle, the Indians sued for peace. A treaty of peace having been ratified, the General led his troops back to Point Pleasant. At that place he left a garrison and then, with the remainder of the troops, returned to Camp Union, having in about two months marched through an ene- my's country, in going and returning, a dis- tance of more than four hundred miles, de- feated the enemy and accomplished all the objects of the campaign. The whole suc- cess <>f the campaign is here attributed to the troops under General Lewis. Others were indeed employed. The northern division, fifteen or eighteen hundred strong, under the immediate command of Lord Bunmore, were expected to unite and co-operate with the southern. This had been stipulated when tin: campaign was first projected. Hut by (* This desideratum will probably be supplied by Lyman C Draper, Esq in his forthcoming ''Lives of the Pioneers "1 the crooked policy of the perfidious governor the troops under his immediate command were kept aloof, so that no union or co-ope- ration could take place. The soldiers of the northern division, there is no doubt, would have been willing to share with the southern division any danger or difficulty, had they been permitted. It is also to be regretted that nothing has been done to perpetuate the memory of the victory at Point Pleasant ; nothing to honor the names of those who bled in its achievement. Here Virginia lost some of her noblest sons. They had united in the same cause, fell on the same field and were interred in the same grave. But no se- pulchral monument marks the place ; no stone tells where they lie ; not even a mound of earth has arisen to distinguish this sacred spot from others around. Here they have Iain in silence and neglect for seventy years, in a land which their valor had won, unsung by the poet, uneulogised by the historian, un- honored by their country. Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Asealon. Let not the culpable neglect be known abroad. Will not some patriot, zealous for the honor of Virginia, bring this subject at an early day before her legislature i Let him give a faith- ful narrative of facts respecting these defen- ders of their country. The simple slory will be impressive ; then eloquence will not be wanting. Every member of that honorable body will be ready to exclaim, '' give honor to whom honor is due." Let a monument be erected of durable materials, under the eye of a skilful architect; let it he characterized by republican simplicity and economy; let it bear appropriate inscriptions of the time, oc- casion and names of the prominent actors, especially of those who Med in battle; let it be placed on that beautiful promontory, whose base is marked by the Ohio and Kanawha and whose bosom contains the remains of those whom this monument is intended to honor. Here it will stand conspicuous, seen from afar by all who navigate these great waters, reviving in some, half-forgotten recollections, in otlu rs exciting curious enquiries respect- ing the early discoveries, early adventurers, earl} 1 settlements and early wars of this west- ern country. This structure, designed to honor the memory of the dead, will reflect honor also on its authors, on tin 1 Slate, and on every ( itizen. On its face will be read in HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 195 ages to come inscribed the names of the Lewises, Andrew nnd Charles, of Fleming and Field, of Buford, Morrow. Wood, Wil- son, McClanahan, Allen, Dillon, Moffett, Walker, Cundiff, Murray, Ward, Goldsby and others. Lord Dunmore has been strongly suspected of traitorous designs during this campaign. Disputes had for several years existed be- tween Great Britain and the colonies of North America. And now war was confidently expected. Even during this campaign the port of Boston was blockaded by a British squadron. Massachusetts and Virginia were most forward in their opposition. The gov- ernor had his appointment from the king of Great Britain, and held his office at pleasure, and it was presumable that should war take place, he would favor the interest of his sov- ereign. Several things occurred during the campaign which gave strength to the suspi- cions that were entertained. The plan at first communicated to Col. Lewis was that he should conduct his troops to Point Pleasant and there await his Excellency's arrival with the northern division. Instead of this the southern division was left in a state of uncer- tainty on the very borders of the enemy's country for several weeks, having heard noth- ing from his lordship all this time, exposed to the combinations and machinations of other neighboring tribes. Had the northern division united with the southern, as his lord- ship had at first promised, there would have been no battle. The Indians would have been compelled to sue for peace. And now after the battle, General Lewis received or- ders to inarch into the interior of the Indian country, during which march he Mas often surrounded by great numbers of Indians and was twice in one day ordered to halt, ten or "fifteen miles from the governor's camp. Gen- eral Lewis had too much firmness and good sense to obey the order. He knew that if attacked at that distance from the Redstone troops he could receive no support from them, lie chose rather to disobey his superior in command than risk the fate of his army. It is worthy of remark too that the messenger was the notorious Simon Girty, whose character was not then fully developed, but who soon afterwards was well known as a leader in the interest of the Indians, and had he not then been known to them as a friend, it is not probable that he would have ventured alone through their country twice in one day so many miles. This same Girty had been one of the governor's guides from Ohio river to Pickaway plains, where he now encamped. If the governor entertained traitorous designs he had great opportunity during this time to represent the certainty of war, the weakness of the provinces, the power of Great Britain, the probability that the Indians would be em- ployed as auxiliaries and the rewards that would await those that favored the royal srov- ernment. Let the governor's designs be what they might during the campaign, cer- tain it is that not many months elapsed be- fore he discovered to the world that his own personal and pecuniary interest weighed more with him than the good of the province over which he had been placed. Soon after this war commenced with great Britain. [1777. J General Burgoyne, by the way of lake Cham- plain, invaded the northern provinces. While approaching the frontier of New York he is- sued a proclamation inviting all Indians to join his standard. Many in the north did so, and it was expected that those north-west of Virginia would follow their example. To prevent this, congress ordered a military force to proceed to Point Pleasant. This force was raised chiefly in the counties of Augusta, Botetourt and Greenbriar, and was com- manded by Colonel Dickinson. He was or- dered to remain encamped there until the arrival of General Hand, a continental officer who was to direct their future movements. This army was designed as a feint to prevent the Indian tribes from attaching themselves to General Burgoyne. Whilst Dickinson's troops lay here, two chiefs, Cornstalk and Red-Hawk, with another Indian of the same nation, arrived at the fort. Their designs ap- peared to be pacific. Captain Arbuckle, the commander of the fort, thoughl it prudent to detain them as hostages for the good behavior of their nation, assuring them that no further violence should be offered them, provided the treaty of 1771 should still continue to be ob- served by their nation. A few days after, Elenipsico, a son of Cornstalk, arrived. lie was also detained as a hostage. On the day following, two of Dickinson's troops, named Hamilton and Gilmore, from what is now Rockbridge county, crossed the Kanawha for the purpose of hunting. After having left 196 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. the river a few hundred yards they parted to meet at the same place in the evening. Gil- more returned first and whilst waiting for his companion was shot and scalped by an In- dian. When Hamilton returned, finding the body of Gilmore thus mangled, he called across the river and the body was taken over. This Gilmore was one of nineteen children of the same father and mother, and was brought up on the plantation now owned by Mr. John Wallace, on the stage road not far from the Natural Bridge. Nearly all of the nineteen lived to mature years, and most of them raised families. As Gilmore was highly esteemed among his comrades, this occur- rence produced great excitementin the camp. The troops from his immediate neighborhood brought over his body, "and their indigna- tion was excited to the highest pitch." * One said, " let us kill the Indians in the fort." This was re-iterated with loud acclamations. The more prudent, who attempted to advise against this measure, were not listened to. They were even threatened. In a few minutes the mob moved on to the fort with loaded guns. While approaching, the Indians were told what their object was. Some of them ap- peared alarmed and very much agitated, par- ticularly Elenipsico. His father desired him to be calm, told him that " the Great Spirit knew when they ought to die, better than they did themselves, and as they had come there with good intentions the Great Spirit would do good to them." Cornstalk arose, stood in the cabin door and faced the assassins as they approached. In a ihw moments the hosta- ges were all numbered with the dead. Il.nl the perpetrators of this crime been tried under the State law lor murder, or by martial law for mutiny, or under the law of nations for breach of treaty in the murder of hostages, or for the violation of the rules and rights of a public fort, in each or either case, had the facts been fully proven, they must have been judged worthy of death. It was an act pregnant with serious consequences. War on the frontier, which had now been suspended three years, would inevitably again take place. Accordingly in the month of June, 1778, two or three hundred Shawnees attacked the fort at Point Pleasant and continued to tire upon it lor several days, but without effect. A par- * Colonel Stewart. ley was then agreed upon between the In- dians and the commander of the fort. Cap- tain McKee, with three or four others, met as many Indians midway between the fort and the Indian encampment. The Indians avow- ed their intention to be revenged for the death of Cornstalk and those who fell with him. Captain McKee disavowed for himself and his garrison all participation in this mur- der and assured them that all good and wise men disapproved of it, that it was done in a moment of excitement by some imprudent young men and most of the officers and troops at the post disapproved of their con- duct. He represented further that the gov- ernor of Virginia had issued a proclamation naming certain persons who were guilty of this outrage, and offering a reward for bring- ing them to justice. Part of the Indians ap- peared satisfied with the representation of Captain McKee and returned to their towns ; another part were not satisfied, but remained still bent on revenge. These moved offslowly up the Kanawha. After they had all disap- peared, two soldiers from the garrison were sent to keep in their wake and watch their movements. But these were discovered by the Indians and fired on. They then returned to the fort and were not willing to resume this perilous undertaking. Much perplexity existed now among the officers. The garri- son had been placed here for the defence of the frontier, and a strong party of Indians had now passed them and were evidently ad- vancing against the settlements, and would attack them without a moment's warning, unless a messenger could be sent from the fort. Enquiry being made who were willing to go, two soldiers volunteered their ser- vices, — Philip Hammon and John Pryor. The Indians were now far in advance, no time was to be lost and little was wanted for preparation. The rifle, tomahawk, shot- pouch, with its contents and appendages, and blanket wore always in readiness. A few pounds of portable provisions were soon at hand and now they were ready lor their jour- ney. There happened at this time to be within the fort a female Indian, called the grenadier squaw, sister to the celebrated Cornstalk, and like him known to be partic- ularly averse to war. On learning the des- tination of these two spies, she offered her services to disguise them, so that if they HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 197 should meet with the Indians they should not be recognized as whites. She accordinglj gave them the Indian costume from head to heel, and painted their faces with dark and lurid streaks and figures, such as indicate an Indian warrior going forth bent on deeds of death and destruction. Thus equipped, at- tired and ornamented, they set out on their long, fatiguing and perilous journey, during which they must endure the burning sun and drenching rains of the season. Brooks and rivers were to be waded, extensive and gloomy forests were to be traversed; pre- cipitous hills and craggy mountain-places, where no man dwelt, were to be passed over with hasty step. The wolf, the bear, the panther and rattlesnake had, from time im- memorial, held sway over this inhospitable region. Nor was this all ; a numerous body of hostile Indians, thirsting for white men's blood, were known to be at this conjunc- ture, on the very path that the spies were to travel. Less than half of the difficulties and dangers here enumerated would have appalled most men, but to these chivalrous sons of the mountains, "The dangers self were lure alone." They were well aware that the success of the enterprise depended upon the celerity of its execution, that if they by forced marches should he able to overtake and pass the enemy undiscovered, and by entering the settlement first should apprise the inhabitants of the impending dan- ger, thereby giving them opportunity to for- tify and defend themselves, all might be well ; but if this strong body of the enemy should take the country by surprise, massacre, cap- tivity and dispersion must follow, and the dis- solution of the whole settlements. Enter- taining these views, they set out with ardor, and persevered with steadiness, losing no time through the day with loitering, they made their bodily strength the measure of their performance, and when the shades of even- ing admonished them that the season of rest was at hand, drawing upon their scanty stock, they partook of a coarse and frugal but strengthening and comfortable repast, for to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet. This ended, and having drunk ofaneighbor- ing stream, their next care was to find a wide- spreading oak, or beech, or a projecting rock which might shelter them from the chilling dews of night. And now each of them, like the patriarch of old, took one of the stones of the place Ibr his pillow, and being wrapped in his blanket, laid himself down along-side of his rifle, conscious of having performed the duties of the day and void of care they gave themselves to sleep. Here no wakeful sentinels, walking his nightly rounds, guard- ed the camp; no fantastic visions nor terrific dreams disturbed their rest. Wild beasts, which the light of day awed into obscurity, had now crept from their dens and lurking places and were roaming abroad prowling for prey, uttering a thousand cries, and hide- ous screams, and dismal bowlings, through- out the shadowy gloom of these interminable forests. Yet neither did these interrupt the repose of the two disguised soldiers. They were yet far in the rear of the enemy, but by observing his encampments, soon found that they were gaining ground, and in a Uw days that they were approaching his main body. This caused a sharp look-out. Relying on vigilance, circumspection and stratagem, they did not relax their speed, but carefully recon- noitercd every hill and valley, every brake, glen and defile. At length one morning about ten o'clock, whilst descending Scwel mountain on its eastern side, and when near to its base, the enemy was descried near half a mile distant, on McClung's plantation, kill- ing hogs for their breakfast. The spies now diverged from the path which they had been pursuing, and making a small circuit, so as to allow the enemy sufficient elbow-room, or as a seaman would say, give him a good berth, that he might enjoy his feast. Thus they passed undiscovered and soon reached the settlement in safety. At the first house they experienced some difficulty, having entirely the appearance of Indian warriors. lint by giving a circumstantial account of the object of their visit, and especially as they were able to do this in unbroken English, they soon gained credence and were recognized as friends. Measures were now taken to alarm the settlement, and before night all the in- habitants were assembled in Colonel Donal- Iv's dwelling-house. This building which had heretofore been the tranquil residence of ;i private family ami which bad been charac- terized by its friendship and hospitality to all who entered it, must now become the theatre of war and be made familiar with tragic seems and events. The prospect 198 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. must indeed have been gloomy. All the in- habitants of the settlement were collected in one house to be defended by a few men, very few in proportion to the number of the ene- my about to attack them. They, however, were well acquainted with the tactics of In- dian warfare and the use of their arms. Every man had full confidence in himself and his fellows. Now preparations were made for a siege or an assault. Every instrument of death which could be found was put in re- quisition, prepared in the best manner and placed where it could be most readily seized when wanted. A strict watch was kept through the night, but no enemy had yet ap- peared. The second day passed off in like manner. On the second night most of the men went to the second story, having slept none for nearly forty-eight hours. In the latter part of the night they became drowsy and when daylight began to appear were all in a profound sleep. Only three men were on the lower floor, — Hammon, one of the spies, a white servant and a black servant of Colonel Donally. At daybreak the white servant opened the door, that he might bring in some firewood. He had gone but a few stops from the house when he was shot down. The In- dians now sprang from their concealment in the edge of the rye-field near to the house, and rushing in a body, attempted to enter the door. * Hammon and the black servant Dick made an effort to secure it, but failing in this they placed their shoulders against a hogs- head of water which stood behind, and which they had drawn nearer to the door. But the Indians commenced chopping with theirtom- ahawks and had actually cut through the door and were also pressing to force it open. Hav- ing already made a partial opening, Dick fearing that they might succeed in gaining their purpose, left Hammon at his post and seizing a musket which stood near, loaded with heavy slugs, discharged it through the opening among the crowd. The Indians now fell hack and the door was secured. By this time the men on the second story had shaken off their slumbers and were every man at his pest, pouring down the shot upon the enemy, lie, finding his quarters too warm, scampered off with all possible speed » Colonel Stewart says thai there was a kind ol stockade fort around the house and that it was the kitchen door which l.he Indians attacked. to a distant point where he could find shelter. One boy alone fell behind. He at the first onset wishing to unite his fortune with that of his seniors, hastened to the door, hoping no doubt to participate in the massacre which he expected to follow, or at least to have the pleasure of witnessing it. Having been dis- appointed in this and now unable to keep pace with his friends in their retreat and fear- ing that a ball from the fort might overtake him, he turned aside and sheltered himself in the lower story of an old building which stood near, uttering through the day many dolorous cries and lamentations. One of the garrison, who knew something of the Indian tongue, invited him into the fort with an as- surance of safety. But he, doubtless, sus- pected in others what he would be likely to practice himself, and what the whites had al- ready practiced on the noble-hearted Corn- stalk and his fellow sufferers, and declined the invitation, and awaiting the darkness of the night escaped to his friends. The In- dians continued to fire on the fort occasion- ally during the day, and succeeded in killing one man through a crevice in the wall. * At this time the population of Greenbrier was composed of isolated settlements, sep- arated by intervals of uncultivated country. The settlement near to Fort Donnally, called the Meadows, did not at this time contain many inhabitants. On the first alarm, a mes- senger was sent to the Lewisburg settlement, fifteen or eighteen miles distant. This mes- senger was the person killed on the next morning after he returned to Donally's as he went out to get firewood. By the activity of Col. Samuel Lewis and Col,. John Stew art, a force of sixty or seventy armed men was ready to march on the third morning, the very morning on which the fort was attacked. They, to avoid any ambush of the enemy, left \\ic direct road and took a circuitous route, and when they arrived opposite the fort turned across and concealing themselves by passing through a rye-field, all entered with safety. There was now much room for congratulation that the garrison had bravely defended themselves, and that they were now SO much strengthened that they could bid * Colonel Stewart says that i his man's name was ( iraham and that they also killed James Burns and Alexandei Och- iltree early in the morning a3 they were coming to the house. HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 199 defiance to their enemies. The Indians now I and peril during a journey on foot of little saw themselves baffled and disappointed. less than two hundred miles, through a moun- They had made alongjourney with the avow- ed purpose of avenging the death of their chiefs. They now determined to raise the siege and return home. Dejected and cha- grined, their number diminished, encumber- ed with the wounded, they retreated with slow and melancholy reluctance. For some years now the Indians had been unsuccess- ful on the frontier of Virginia. [1774.] They were roughly handled and driven back into their own country. [1777.] Their chiefs were murdered, and now [1778] they were beaten off with loss * and disgrace. Not a scalp as a trophy of bravery, not a prisoner whom they might immolate to quiet the manes of their deceased friends. Although the enemy retreated slowly, the garrison did not think themselves strong enough to pursue. The inhabitants now re- turned to their homes without apprehension of danger. But where are the spies ? What has been done for them ? When one of the most il- lustrious monarchs of the East had discover- ed a plot against his own life, wishing to re- ward the individual who had disclosed the treason, he enquired of his chief counsellor, •'• What shall be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honor?" The counsellor in substance replied as follows, that the great- est honor which royalty could bestow, con- sistent with its own sovereignty and inde- pendence, should be conferred on the man whom the king delighted to honor. In ac- cordance witli this advice, a royal decree was issued and the same counsellor was charged with its execution and it was executed in the most public manner. Among the Romans civic honors were decreed to him who had saved the life of a citizen. These honors were the greatest which the government had in its power to bestow. II ere we see that two of the greatest empires that the world has ever seen, bestowed the highest honors on him who saved the life of another. But what was tin' conduct of these spies? They subjected themselves to fatigue and privation * The amount of their loss was not ascertained, nor their whole number. ('"I. Slew mi s ij ,-., " seventeen ol the en emy lay ilc.nl in the yard when we got m." They ma) have taken the scalps ( Safety, - 151 Of first Council, under Constitution, - 151 Commands party of rriilitiaduring Arnold's invasion, 168 VII INDEX PAGE Pamunkey, or Pamaunkee, original name of York river 14 Pamunkey, residence of Opechancanough, - 14 Parliament, the long, prohibits trade and correspon- dence with Virginia, - - CO Paspaheghs entertain the English kindly, 10 Chief of, Smith's rencontre with, - 23 Pendleton, Edmund, opposes Henry's resolutions, 135 Member of Committee of Correspondence, 141 Delegate to Congress, - - 111 Member of Committee to revise Va. Laws, 162 Percy, Capt. George, Governor of the Colony of Va., 32 Petersburg, Town of, established, - 115 General Phillips enters, 169-170 Cornwallis arrives at, - 172-173 Piscataway siege of, 81 Pocahontas, daughter of Powhatan, rescues Smith, 15 Prisoners released to her, - - 16 Entertains Smith with a dance, - 20 Discloses to Smith a plot, - 22 Made prisoner by Argall, - - 34 John Rolfe marries, - - - 35 Baptized, - - 37 Visits England, - - 38 Recommended to the Queen by Smith, 38 Smith's interview with, - - 39-39 Presented at Court, - - 39 Her death, son and descendants, - 39-40 Point Pleasant Battle, - - 142-144 Porterfield, Col., mortally wounded at Camden, 165 Pott, John, Governor of Va., convicted of stealing cattle, ... 54 Printing Press first introduced into Virginia, - 112 Powhatan, Indian town near falls of James river, 12 Powhatan, Indian Chief, - - 12 Releases Smith owing to intercession of Powhatan, 15 Newport visits, - - - 16 Coronation of, - - 20 Smith visits, - - - 22 Consents to marriage of Pocahontas, - 35 Hamer's interview with, - - 36-37 Death and Character, - - - 42 Puritans, English, land at Plymouth, - 46 Come over to Virginia from England, - 60 Ministers of New England visit Virginia, 60 Driven by persecution to Maryland, - 65 Raleigh, Sir Walter, his efforts to colonize Virginia, 3-4 Assigns his Patent to a company, - 6 His " History of the World," - - 37 Notice of his Life and Death, - - 43-44 Randolph, Peyton, King's Attorney General, an- swered by Davies, - - 116-117 Opposes Henry's Resolutions, - 135-136 Speaker of the House of Burgesses, - 136 Member of Committee of Correspondence, 111 Delegates to Congress, - - 141 President of Congress, • 142 His Death, - - 151-152 Radcliffe, John, President of Council, 10-13-16-21-25-30 Richmond, Town of, laid off, - - 112 Established, - - ]]3 Convention meets at, - . 151 Seat of Government removed to, - lii^ Entered by Arnold, - - 168 Robinson, John, (Speaker,) - 128-136 Rolfc, John, marries Pocahontas, - 35 Membei of the Council, - - 1.) Scotch-Irish Settlers of Western Virginia, 112-113 Smith, Capt. John, Early Life and Adventures of, 7-9 Vindicates himself from accusations of his enemies 12 Explores the Country, - 12 Made prisoner by the Savages. Rescued by Po- cahontas. Explores the Chesapeake Bay, 17-19 President of the Colony, - 19 His energetic administration, 19-22 Efforts to quell the disorders prevailing among the Colonists. Returns to England, Southampton, Earl of, Treasurer of Va. Company, 52 Spencer, Nicholas, President of Council, - 97 Stuyvesant, Dutch Governor, Sir Wm. Berkley's re- ply to, - - 74 Swift, Dean, scheme entertained of appointing him Bishop of Virginia, - 140 Tabb, John, - - 151 Tobacco, Lane introduces into England. Anecdotes of Raleigh smoking, - - 5 Culture of, commenced in Virginia, - 38 New method of curing, 41 Cultivation of, discouraged by government, 47 James First's aversion to, - 47 Charles affects monopoly of, - 53 The only staple of Virginia, - 54 Low price of, - 64-76 Cessation of crop ordered, - 78 Trade in. Duty on, - 79 Low price of, - - 80 Plant-Cutting. Revenue from, - 97-98 Excessive cultivation of, - 99 Two Penny Act, - 120-129 Destroyed by the enemy, - - 170 Simcoe, Lieut. Col., - - ] 72-174-176-177 Suffolk, Burnt by the enemy, - 165 Tarleton, Lieut. Col., - - 172-174-178 Totopotomoi, Indian Chief, slain, - 71 Tyler, John, Revolutionary patriot, - 171-172 Washington, Col. John, commands militia at Siege of Piscataway, - . 81-82 Washington, Capt. Lawrence, returns from Expedition against Carthagena, - - 111 Washington, George, His early life, a Surveyor, Pro- moted to the rank of Major, Despatched by Gov- ernor Dinwiddie on amission through the Wilder- ness, Appointed Lieutenant Colonel, Surprises a French party, - - 118-120 Forced to surrender at Fort Necessity, Resigns on account of offensive army regulations, 121 Joins Braddoek as aid-de-camp, Heroism at the Battle of Monongahela, His account of the de- feat, - - 121-122 Visits Boston, - - 124 Dinwiddie's offensive correspondence with, 125 Member of Assembly, - 127 Marries ; Receives thanks of Assembly, ]28 Reports the Non-Importation agreement, 140 Attends a meeting of Burgesses, - 141 Chosen Commander-in-chief by Congress, 151 Conduct of affairs during Revolutionary VVar, 160-165 Wingfield, Edward Maria, 1st President of Council of Virginia, - - 11-13 West, Francis, Governor of Virginia, - 53 54 Williamsburg, Seat of Government removed to, 102 Disturbances at, - 148-149 Cornwallis quartered at, 176 Lafayette quartered at, • 177 INDEX. VIII Woodford, Col., Whitefield Preaches at Williamsburg, Preaches in Hanover, White, Capt., Governor of City of Raleigh in Va., PAGE 152-153-160-1G2 114 115 William III., His accession to English throne, Succeeded by Anne, Winston, Sarah, mother of Patrick Henry, Winston, William, His eloquence, Wythe, George, PAGE 100 103 132 132 156-157 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 444 906 A 8 WW® .:•■ v. ■■■■■:■■ ■:!:- ■■ ;■:■:. ii ; >iiSl ■■■::•">:-. ■■,■'- ■■■:■:■;:•.> iftKS .::'. V'X'.tf'tt .'.V:Y.:' ! ;:'v-V:V