The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-06-22
MISCELLANEOUS.
BACON'S REBELLION.

Nathaniel Bacon was bred a lawyer, at the
Inns OF Court London. He cam, to the
colony of Virginia young, bold, active, of an
inviting aspect, and powerful elocution. Nor
had he been resident in the colony three
years, before he was made one of the coun
Gil, and came to be in great esteem with the
people.
The causes of Bacon's rebellion were, first,
the state of the Tobacco trade, which was
much depressed by acts of Parliament; Sc
cond, the splitting the country into proprieiies,
contrary TO the charter, TO rid themselves OF
which they were compelled to pay eXorbl-
tant taxes, TO the grantees third, the act Of
twenty-flth year Of Charles second, cramping
the colonial trade--lhls act being more grie-
vous than the act of Cromwell-ior he only
insisted on English ships and crews-where-
as Charles second compelled all ships laden
with colonial goods, to touch at England and
pay the duties iourihly, the Indian dlstur-
Dances were such that added to their other
grievances it drove them to extremity, and
they were ready, as people ever are when
things come to certain pitch, to volunteer
and take up arms. =, . .,...
The people focked unanimously, running
in troops from one plantation to another,
riotous mob, and while i'll this state they were
joined by Bacon.
He was master-spirit, and accordingly he
was soon invested with the chief command
He harangued the people on their grievances,
and concluded by declaring that he would not
lay down his arms until he had avenged all
the crueltes of the Indians, and redressed all
their wrongs. ....
His speech produced unanimity and devo
ton TO him. He then despatched messen-
ger TO Governor Berkeley, 10 demand of him
a commission to march against the Indians.
The Governor vaccillated and answered that
he would consult the council, and advise him
of the result.
Bacon would hear of no delay, and sent
messenger alter messenger TO the Governor,
, demanding the commission.
Berkeley answered, commanding him to
dispense his men, on pain Of being proclaimed
rebel. Thereupon, Bacon repaired with
forty men, in sloop to jamestown. He had
an interview with Berkeley, and dissatisfied
at his conduct, spoke rather too freely to the
Governor, for which he was suspended from
the council.
Bacon then left jamestown in an ill-humor,
with his forty men, in his sloop. The Co.
vernon manned long boat and pursued him,
until the chase grew 50 hot, that Bacon leaped
into the sloop's boat to make the more haste.
The Governor, however, had sent word TO the
ships up the river, to intercept Bacon's flight,
and he was accordingly stepped at Sandy
Point, and taken back to jamestown.
He was kindly received by the Governor,
who felt conscious of having. exceeded his
frpn hn
Gil.
Bacon was re-admitted into the council.
He, however, still insisted on receiving the
commission Of General.
In the meantime, news of fresh murders
and rohberies committed by the Indians ar
irving, Colonel Bacon stole privately out oil
jamestown, put himself at the head of six
hundred men, whom he found in arms, and
marched forthwith 10 jamestown.
The colonial assembly was sitting at the
time. Bacon drew up his men in array before
the house, and urged them to grant the com
mission. This act Gov. Berkeley resented
more than all and fired with Indignation,
barred his breas, and called upon Tie soldiery 10
shoot him.
But the assembly were inundated; they
prepared the commission, and the Governor
by their persuasion, were reluctantly induced
TO signit.
No sooner, however, had Bacon set out
with his soldiers, than the Governor, by adj
vice of the council, proclaimed him rebel
and commanded his followers to surrender
him up to the civil authority and disband al
the same time issuing orders TO call out the
militia against them.
Bacon's little army, upon this, passed a re.
solution, that not hair of his head should
fall to the ground, and they Immediately
marched back to jamestown.
Gov. Berkeley seeing that affairs were be-
ginning to assume a more threatening aspect,
fled over the bay to Accomac. He there
learned the instability Of the popular will, ior