The Governor was in Accomac, breathing fire and slaughter, though as yet
without brand or sword with which to put his ardent desires into execution.
But he and the constituted order were not without friends and supporters.
He had, as his opponents saw, a number of "wicked and pernicious
counsellors, aides and assistants against the commonalty in these our cruel
commotions." Moreover -- and a great moreover is that! -- it was everywhere
bruited that he had sent to England, to the King, "for two thousand Red
Coates." Perhaps the King -- perhaps England -- will take his view, and, not
consulting the good of Virginia, send the Red Coats! What then?
Bacon, as a measure of opposition, proposed "a test or recognition," to be
signed by those here at Middle Plantation who earnestly do wish the good of
Virginia. It was a bold test! Not only should they covenant to give no aid
to the whilom?? Governor against this new general and army, but if ships
should bring the Red Coats they were to withstand them. There is little
wonder that "this bugbear did marvellously startle" that body of Virginia
horsemen, those progressive gentlemen planters, and others. Yet in the end,
after violent contentions, the assembly at Middle Plantation drew up and
signed a remarkable paper, the "Oath at Middle Plantation." Historically,
it is linked on the one hand with that "thrusting out of his government" of
Sir John Harvey in Charles I's time, and on the other with Virginian
proceedings a hundred years later under the third George.
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