Bacon's Rebellion

Hartwell¹ in the Legg, Smith in the head, Mathewes² with others,
yet as yet wee have noe certaine account. They tooke a solemne
oath when they Sallyed out either to Rout us, or never Returne; But
you know how they use to keepe them: I believe the Shipps are weary
of their Bargaine finding their shotts all inconsiderable. This is our
present Intelligence; be sure to take care of the Upper Parts against
the Pyrats, and bid the men be courageous for that all the country
is bravely Resolute.

      I had almost forgot to tell you that Chamberlaine³ out of a
Bravado came with a Sloope, and lay under our workes, and with
abundance of vaunting and railing Expressions, Threatned great
things, but finding it too warme was feigne to take his Boate and
leave his Sloope; Wee guesse hee was wounded by his ceasing to Baule
(being much jeer’d by our men) which you know hee is not us’d to doe.

      Be sure you encourage the Soldiers in the Upper Parts and lett
them know what a Pitifull Enemy wee have to deale with. Wee
have just now two great Guns come for one Battery, which they are
much affraid off as I am informed. This is the most of our present
Newes, of other Passages by the Messenger you may be informed.

Your reall Friend,
Nath: Bacon

     After this succeslesse Sally the courages and numbers of
the Governor’s party abated much, and Bacons men thereby
became more bold and daring in soe much that Bacon could
Scarce keepe them from immediately falling to storme and enter
the Towne; but hee (being as wary as they rash) perswaded
them from the attempt, Bidding them keepe their courages
untill such tyme as hee found occasion and opportunity to
make use of them, telling them that hee doubted not to take

     ¹Captain William Hartwell, brother of Henry Hartwell, joint author with
Blair and Chilton of The Present State of Virginia, 1697-1698, took a leading and
oppressive part in putting down the rebellion, and many complaints against his
high-handed proceedings were sent to the commissioners, March – May, 1677.

      ²The identity of Smith and Mathewes is doubtful.

      ³Probably Captain Thomas Chamberlaine of Henrico, whose house was
plundered by Bacon’s troops. He was “cursed with a passionate temper that
brooked neither opposition nor restraint. His native want of self-control was
accentuated by a strong taste for liquor, the consequence of which was that he
found himself constantly involved in quarrels and brawls.” (Bruce, Institutional
History of Virginia, I. 507.)