25. BACON'S REBELLION

RESSENTMENT against the "closed corporation" government of the Royal Governor, Sir William Berkeley, and the ravages of the Indians on the frontier reached a peak in 1676, when rebellion broke out in Virginia led by Nathaniel Bacon, Junior. Bacon forced the Governor to grant him a commission to fight the Indians, and later, because of high-handed measures on the part of the Governor, he turned against Berkeley. In "The Declaration of the People" Bacon summed up the reasons for his opposition to the Government.

For having upon specious pretences of Publick works raised unjust Taxes upon the Commonalty for the advancement of private Favourits and other sinnister ends but noe visible effects in any measure adequate.

For not having dureing the long time of his Government in any measure advanced this hopefull Colony either by Fortifications, Townes or Trade.

For having abused and rendered Contemptible the Majesty of Justice, of advancing to places of judicature scandalous and Ignorant favourits.

For having wronged his MaATIES Prerogative and Interest by assuming the monopoley of the Beaver Trade . . .

For haveing protected favoured and Imboldened the Indians against his Majestys most Loyall subjects never contriveing requireing or appointing any due or proper meanes of satisfaction for their many Invasions Murthers and Robberies Committed upon us . . .

For having with only the privacy of some few favourits without acquainting the People, only by the Alteration of a Figure forged a Commission by wee know not what hand, not only without but against the Consent of the People, for raising and effecting of Civill Warrs and distractions, which being happily and, without Bloodshedd prevented . . .

Of these the aforesaid Articles wee accuse Sir William Berkely, as guilty of each and every one of the same, and as one, who hath Traiterously attempted, violated and Injured his Majesties Interest here, by the losse of a great Part of his Colony, and many of his Faithfull and Loyall subjects by him betrayed, and in a barbarous and shamefull manner exposed to the Incursions and murthers of the Heathen.

BY NATHANIEL BACON, JUNIOR. The Declaration of the People

It was not until September 1676 that actual hostilities reached Jamestown. Bacon then advanced against the town as the headquarters of the Governor and his party.

In the evening Bacon with his Small tired Body of men, his Forlorne marching some distance before, comes into Paspahayes old Fields [across the isthmus from Jamestown Island] and advancing on horseback himselfe on the Sandy Beech before the Towne comands the Trumpet to sound, Fires his carbyne, dismounts, surveys the Ground and orders a French [a trench] worke to be cast up.

All this night is Spent in falling of Trees, Cutting of Bushes and throwing up Earth, that by the help of the moone light they had made their French [trench] before day, although they had but two axes and 2 spades in all to performe this work with.

About day-break next morning six of Bacons Soldiers ran up to the Pallasadees of the Towne and Fired briskly upon the Guard, retreating Safely without any damage at first (as is reported) the Governor gave Comand that not a Gun should be fired against Bacon or his party upon paine of death, pretending to be loath to spill bloode and much more to be Beginner of it. . . .

Having planted his great Guns, hee [Bacon] takes the wives and female Relations of such Gentlemen as were in the Governor's Service against him . . . and Places them in the Face of his Enemy, as Bulworkes for their Battery . . .

[Sr. Wm. Berkeley] . . . was at last over persuaded, nay hurryed away against his owne Will to Accomack and forced to leave the Towne to the mercy of the enemy . . .

Bacon haveing early Intelligence of the Governor and his Party's Quitting the Towne the night before, enters it without any opposition, and soldier like considering of what importance a Place of the Refuge was, . . . instantly resolves to lay it level with the ground, and the same night he became possessed of it, sett Fire to Towne, church and state house (wherein were the Countryes Records which Drummond had privately convey'd thence and preserved from Burning).

The towne consisted of 12 new brick Houses besides a considerable number of Frame houses with brick chimneys, all which will not be rebuilt (as is computed) for Fifteen hundred pounds of Tobacco.

A True narrative OF BACON'S REBELLION.

Last Modified: Thurs, Sep 11 2003 10:00:00 pm PST source/5/sb5z.htm