If his Majesty
had been, as it was rumored, wrongly informed that Virginia was in
rebellion; if, acting upon that misinformation, he sent troops against his
loyal Virginians -- who were armed only against an evil Governor and
intolerable woes then these same good loyalists would "oppose and suppress
all forces whatsoever of that nature, until such time as the King be fully
informed of the state of the case." What was to happen if the King, being
informed, still supported Berkeley and sent other Red Coats was not taken
into consideration.
This paper, being drawn, was the more quickly signed because there arrived,
in the midst of the debate, a fresh Indian alarm. Attack threatened a fort
upon the York -- whence the Governor had seen fit to remove arms and
ammunition! The news came most opportunely for Bacon. "There were no more
discourses." The major portion of the large assemblage signed.
The old Government in Virginia was thus denied. But it was held that
government there must be, and that the people of Virginia through
representatives must arrange for it. Writs of election, made as usual in
the King's name, and signed by Bacon and by those members of the Council
who were of the revolt, went forth to all counties. The Assembly thus
provided was to meet at Jamestown in September.
So much business done, off rode Bacon and his men to put down this latest
rising of the Indians. Not only these but red men in a new quarter, tribes
south of the James, kept them employed for weeks to come.
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