[
233]
evidence of treason.
1 Is it strange that posterity was
for more than a hundred years defrauded of the truth?
Every accurate account of the insurrection remained in manuscript till the present century.
2
It was on occasion of this rebellion, that English troops were first introduced into the
English colonies in
America.
Their support was burdensome.
After three years they were disbanded, and probably mingled with the people.
3
With the returning squadron
Sir William Berkeley sailed for
England.
Guns were fired, and bonfires kindled at his departure.
4 Public opinion in
England censured his conduct with equal severity; and Lord Berkeley used to say, that the unfavorable report of the commissioners in
Virginia caused the death of his brother.
It took place soon after Sir William's arrival in
England, before he had had an opportunity of waiting on the king.
The results of
Bacon's rebellion were disastrous for
Virginia.
The suppression of an insurrection furnished an excuse for refusing a liberal charter, and conceding nothing more than a patent, containing not
one political franchise.
5 Freedom in
Virginia rested on royal favor, and was measured by the royal will, except so far as the common law protected the inhabitants in the rights of Englishmen.
The form of government was further defined by royal instructions
6 that had been addressed to
Berkeley.
Assemblies
were required to be called but once in two years, and to sit but fourteen days, unless for special reasons.
