Royalist colonies.
The English colonists in the
West Indies, as well as in
Virginia and
Maryland, adhered to Charles II.
in his exile.
In October, 1650, the victorious Parliament authorized the council of state to send a land and naval force to bring these colonies into subjection, and all trade with them was prohibited, and the capture of all vessels employed in it was authorized.
Sir George Ayscue was sent with a fleet against
Barbadoes, and another expedition, under the direction of five commissioners, was sent against the Virginians in September, 1651.
Ships for this purpose were furnished by merchants trading with
Virginia; and they bore 750 soldiers and 150 Scotch prisoners taken at the battle of
Worcester, sent over to be sold in
Virginia as servants.
This expedition went by way of the
West Indies, where it joined
Ayscue, and assisted him in capturing
Barbadoes, which he had not been able to do alone.
The expedition reached the
Chesapeake in March, 1652.
There were several
Dutch ships lying in the
James River, whose crews agreed to assist in the defence of the province against the parliamentary forces.
But a negotiation ensued, which resulted in a capitulation.
Two sets of articles were signed—one with the Assembly, which was favorably inclined towards Parliament; the other with
Governor Berkeley and his council, who were to be allowed a year to settle up their affairs, without being required to take new oaths.
They were guaranteed the right to sell their property and go where they pleased.
The Assembly was dealt fairly and honorably with.
Those who did not choose to relinquish the use of the
Book of Common Prayer, or to subscribe to a promise “to be true and faithful to the commonwealth of
England,” as was then established, “without king or House of Lords,” were allowed a year for making sale of their property and departing.
The
Dutch vessels were provided for.
Berkeley's commission was declared void.
A new Assembly was called, when
Richard Bennett, who accompanied the expedition, was elected governor of
Virginia, and
Claiborne, who also came with the expedition, was chosen secretary.
See
Claiborne, William.
