22. THE CROMWELLIAN COMMONWEALTH

THE Cromwellian wars, the execution of Charles I, and the Commonwealth government in England did not affect Virginia seriously. Even though Virginia remained essentially loyal to the Crown and to the Anglican Church, in March 1652 the colony submitted to the authority of the Parliament of England. It was not until 1661 that the royal authority was renewed. In the interim the Governor, as well as the council and other officers, was selected in the colony itself. The articles of surrender reflect the real spirit of the colony's submission to the Commonwealth.

ARTICLES agreed on and concluded at James Cittie in Virginia for the surrendering and settling of that plantation under the obedience and government of the Common Wealth of England . . .

It is agreed and consented that the plantation of Virginia, and all the inhabitants thereof, shall be and remaine in due obedience and subjection to the common wealth of England, according to the lawes there established, And that this submission and subscription bee acknowledged a voluntary act not forced nor constrained by a conquest upon the countrey, And that they shall have and enjoy such freedomes and priviledges as belong to the free borne people of England, and that the former government by the commissions and instructions be void and null. . . . that the Grand Assembly as formerly shall convene and transact the affairs of Virginia, wherein nothing is to be acted or done contrarie to the government of the common wealth of England and the lawes there established.

. . . That there shall be a full and totall remission and indempnitie of all acts, words or writeings done or spoken against the parliament of England in relation to the same.

. . . That Virginia shall be free from all taxes, customes and impositions whatsoever, and none to be imposed on them without consent of the Grand Assembly, And so that neither Forts nor castles bee erected or garrisons maintained without their consent.

. . . That all goods allreadie brought hither by the Dutch or others which are now on shoar shall be free from surprisall.

. . . That neither Governour nor councill shall be obliged to take any oath or engagement to the Common-Wealth of England for one whole yeare And that neither Governour nor Councill be censured for praying for or speaking well of the King for one whole yeare in their private houses or neighbouring conference.

. . . That there be sent home at the present Governour's choice to give an accompt to his Majestie of the surrender of his countrey, the present Governour bearing his charges, that is Sir William Berkeley.

. . . That all persons that are now in this collonie of what quality or condition soever that have served the King here or in England shall be free from all dangers, punishment or mulkt whatsoever, here or elsewhere, and this article as all other articles bee in as cleer termes as the learned in the law of arms can express.

Journal of the House of Burgesses, 1652

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