George Bancroft, History of the Colonization of the United States, Vol. 1, 17th edition.

[189] be realized.¹ John Harvey and Samuel Matthews,

Chap V.} 1623

both distinguished in the annals of Virginia, were of the number of the committee.

It now only remained to issue a writ of quo warran-

Nov 10.

to against the company. It was done; and, at the next quarter court, the adventurers, seven only oppo-

19

sing, confirmed the former refusal to surrender the charter, and made preparations for defence.² For that purpose, their papers were for a season restored: while they were once more in the hands of the company, they were fortunately copied; and the copy, having been purchased by a Virginian, was consulted by Stith, and gave to his history the authority of an original record.³

While these things were transacting in England, the

1624

commissioners, early in the year, arrived in the colony A meeting of the general assembly was immediately convened; and, as the company had refuted the allegations of King James, as opposed to their interests, so the colonists replied to them, as contrary to their honor and good name. The principal prayer was, that the governors might not have absolute power; and that the liberty of popular assemblies might be retained; ‘for,’ say they, ‘nothing can conduce more to the public satisfaction and the public utility.’⁴ To urge this solicitation, an agent was appointed to repair to England. The manner in which the expenses of the mission were borne, marks colonial times and manners, and the universality of the excitement. A tax of four pounds of the best tobacco was levied upon every male who was above sixteen years and had been in the colony