Page:History of the United States of America, Spencer, v1.djvu/100

76 great allowance is to be made in Harvey's case for the violence of political excitement, since it does not appear that he attempted any unlawful interference with the rights and privileges of the colonists.

The administration of Wyatt was peaceful, and quite acceptable to the people. In 1641, however, Sir William Berkeley was appointed governor, and- the year following arrived in Virginia. He was a man of high and honorable character and principles, and proved himself well adapted to the station to which he had been elevated. Shortly after the commencement of the civil war in England, the laws of Virginia underwent a second revision. Most of the former laws were continued, but with some modifications and additions, among which were the requiring all in the colony to use the liturgy of the Church of England, non-conformists to depart out of Virginia, the monthly courts to be changed into county courts, and held six times a year, certain taxes necessary to public advantage, to be levied, etc., etc.

The Parliamentary Commissioners for Plantations endeavored to obtain from the Virginians an acknowledgment of their authority, offering them the choice of their own governor; but Governor Berkeley, who was a firm royalist, persuaded the majority of the Council to adhere to the king; so that Virginia, retaining its attachment to loyally, and in a measure left to itself, had an opportunity of legislating for the general good, independent of European control.

The hostility of the Indians, which had been only partially suppressed, was ready to break out on any favorable occasion. Opechancanough, the ancient enemy of the colonists, was now advanced in years, and still meditating upon revenge. A favorable opportunity having presented itself, arising out of the dissensions occasioned by the civil war in England, and its general effect upon the colony, a sudden and furious assault was made under Opechancanough's direction, which resulted in the slaughter of some five hundred of the colonists. A general war against the Indians ensued, and the aged chief was taken prisoner, and died soon after of wounds inflicted by a brutal soldier, His successor was willing to make peace, and all the lands between James and York Rivers were ceded to the Virginians. Thus did it happen, to use the words of Mr. Bancroft, that "the colony of Virginia acquired the management of all its concerns; war was levied and peace concluded, and territory acquired, in conformity to the acts of the representatives of the people. Possessed of security and quiet, abundance of land, a free market for their staple, and practically all the rights of an independent State, having England for its guardian against foreign oppression, rather than its ruler, the colonists enjoyed all the prosperity which a virgin soil, equal laws, and general uniformity of condition and industry could bestow. Their numbers increased; the cottages were filled with children, as the ports were with ships and emigrants. At Christmas, 1648, there