Page:Economic History of Virginia Vol 1.djvu/44

 Before Delaware and Faldoe reached Virginia, the Third Supply arrived with the information of the impending change of officers. A mutinous spirit now arose among the soldiers of Captain West, who were stationed near the Falls of the Powhatan. They threw off the authority of Smith, the President of the Colony at that time, on the ground that the commission of Delaware had superseded his right to the command. This rebellious impulse revealed itself most strikingly in their announcement that no one would be permitted to pass into the country west of the Falls, which they thought to be very rich in gold.

The thirst for the precious metals shown by the common soldiers was shared by Delaware on his arrival. To such an extent was the Colony during a part at least of his