The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1913-01-28

OCCiSlOh "a IN LIZ Ia, dS was W nave
been expected, but finally the settlers
were persuaded to allow the officers
to perform their duty. Valentine Byrd,
himself n OF the wealthiest and
most influential men in Albemarle,
was by no means rigid or exacting in
collecting the tobacco tax, and for
several years longer, though the laws
were ostensibly observed, numerous
ways were found to evade them. The
colonists, however. were by no means
satisfied, for though they were sue
cessful in avoiding a strict adherence
to the laws, and in continuing their
trade with New Enw England, still
the fact that the hated acts were in
force at all was to them a thorn in
the flesh.
Matters sOOn reached a crisis, and
the smouldering feeling Of resentment
against the Proprietors broke out into
open rebellion. In 1876 the Lords APP
pointed Thomas Eastchurch governor
of Albemarle n Thomas Miller col
lector of customs for that settlement.
Both Of these men, who were then in
London, had previously lived in Abe
marie and incurred tie enmity OF
some Of the leading men in the settle
ment, Eastchurch especially being IN
bad repute mOng the planters.
In 1917, E~astchurch and Miller de-
parted from London to take up their
duties in Carolina. Stopping at the
Island Of Nevis OH their way over,
Eastchurch became amoure Of the
charms (and the f%ortune) Of a fair
Creole who there abide, and dalliel
on the island until he succeeded in
winning the lady's hand. And Miller,
whom Eastchurch appointed his dep
uty in Carolina. continued on his way
alone. When he reacher Albemarle
the people received him kindly and
allowed him to fill E~astchurch's place.
But no ooner had he assumed the
reins of government than he began q
rigid enforcement of the trade and
navigation laws. OF course, the plant
ers resented his activity in this direc-
ton and most bitterly did they resent
his compelling a strict payment Of the
tobacco tax. Possibly, however, nc
open rebellion would have occurred
had not Miller proceeded to high
handed and arbitrary deeds, making
himself so obnoxious to the people
that finally they were wrought up tc
such an intiammable state Of MIND
|. that only a spark was needed to ligh,
the flames Of revolution
And that spark was kindled in De.
cember, 1877, when Capt. Zachary
Gillian, a shreWd New England ship.
- ~cN "a AALO LAX SO1OAAN IL LA
: trig little vessel The Carolina" bring
e ing with him besides the supple:
needed by the planters for the wintel
t days at hand ammunition and fire
. arms which a threatened Indian up
rising made necessary for the safet.
\ of the settlers homes.
On board the Carolina" was Georg,
g Durant, the first settler in the colony
and the acknowledged leader in pub
r lie affairs in AIbemarle. He had bee1
over to England to consult the Lord
PrOprletors concerning matters re
lating to the colony, and was return
q ing to his home On Durant's Neck.
Through the inlet at Ocracoake tn
Carolina slipped, over the broa
d waters of PamlicO sound. past Roa
O noke island, home of Virginia Dare
e and into Albemarle sound. The Il
p the blue waters Of the Pasquotank sh
sailed with Jack ancient flag an
pennant flying" as Miller indignant
l. relates, till she came to anchor q
q Captain Crawford's landing, Just o
the shore, from Enfield Farm.
70 Gladly did the bluff captain and tn
le tjovial planter row ashore from the
sea-tOSsed berths. Man, We're tn
g friendly greetings extended them, bot
le prime favorites among the settler
who ann h%urrying down to Enfel
2 when the news of the 'CarOlina'S'' Al
rival spread through the communit.
Eager questions assailed them O
every side concerning news Of love
d ones in the mother country: and
is busy day did Captain Gillian put il
d chaffering and bargaining with tn
planters h anxiOusly surrounde
him in quest of long needed supple
re Durant. though doubtless impatiel
,e to proceed as quickly as possible
his home and family in Perquiman
nevertheless spent the day pleasant,
to enough talking to his brother planter
Valentine Byrd, Samuel Pricklov
n others, and all was going MERIT
as a marriage bell when sudden
he Deputy Governor Miller appeared c
IN the scene, accused Gillian of havif
S, cOntraband goods on board and
to having evaded the export tax on t
le bacco when he sailed out of port wit
a. his cargo a year before. A viole1
- IT, 49,