Men without property
presented themselves, gave their voices, and were counted. Bacon, who had
by now achieved an immense popularity, was chosen burgess for Henricus County.
In the June weather Bacon sailed down to Jamestown, with a number of those
who had backed him in that assumption of power to raise troops and go
against the Indians. When he came to Jamestown it was to find the high
sheriff waiting for him by the Governor's orders. He was put under arrest.
Hot discussion followed. But the people were for the moment in the
ascendent, and Bacon should not be sacrificed. A compromise was reached.
Bacon was technically guilty of "unlawful, mutinous and rebellious
practises." If, on his knees before Governor, Council, and Burgesses, he
would acknowledge as much and promise henceforth to be his Majesty's
obedient servant, he and those implicated with him should be pardoned. He
himself might be readmitted to the Council, and all in Virginia should be
as it had been. He should even have the commission he had acted without to
go and fight against the Indians.
Bacon thereupon made his submission upon his knees, promising that
henceforth he would "demean himself dutifully, faithfully, and peaceably."
Formally forgiven, he was restored to his place in the Virginia Council. An
eyewitness reports that presently he saw "Mr. Bacon on his quondam seat
with the Governor and Council, which seemed a marvellous indulgence to one
whom he had so lately proscribed as a rebel.
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