Bacon's Rebellion

ing Laurence¹ and Drumond² both dwelling at James Town
and Who were not at the Pascataway Siege.

But at our Entrance upon Businesse, Some Gentlemen took
this opportunity to Endeavour the Redressing severall Griev-
ances the Country then Labour’d under, Motions were made
for Inspecting the Publick Revenues, the Collectors Accompts
etc. and so far was Proceeded as to name Part of a Committee
whereof Mr. Bristol³ (now in London,) was and my self
another, when we were Interrupted by Pressing Messages from
the Governour to Medle with nothing, untill the Indian Busi-
ness was Dispatch’t.

    This Debate rose high, but was Overruled and I have not
heard that those Inspections have since then been Insisted
upon, tho’ such of that Indigent People as had no benefits from
the Taxes groand under our being thus Overborn.

    The next thing was a Committee for the Indian Affaires,
whereof in appointing the Members, my self was unwillingly
Nominated having no knowledge in Martiall Preparations,
and after our Names were taken, some of the house moved
for sending 2 of our Members to Intreat the governour wou’d
please to Assign Two of his Councill to Sit with, and Assist us
in our Debates, as had been usuall.

   When seeing all Silent looking each at other with many
Discontented faces, I adventur’d to offer my humble Opinion
to the Speaker “for the Comittee to form Methods as agree-

     ¹ Richard Lawrence, William Drummond, and one Arnold were called “the
bell-wethers of the rest during the whole rebellion.” Lawrence has generally
been considered the chief instigator of the movement. He was an Oxford man
and a person of means, who lived at Jamestown, where he had a house. There
Bacon, Lawrence, and Drummond conferred for three hours on June 7. See
below, p. 114.

     ² William Drummond, a Scotsman, had lived at Jamestown before he was
appointed governor of Albemarle County, 1664-1667. Returning to Jamestown,
he became one of the chief men of the rebellion, continuing in arms after Bacon’s
death, until his capture, January 14, 1677. He was hung the same day. His
daughter married a son of Colonel Thomas Swann, of Swann’s Point, where the
commissioners resided and held court in 1677. See below, pp. 98, 103.

     ³ Probably Major Robert Bristow, who came to Virginia in 1660 and set-
tled in Gloucester County. He was captured by the insurgents and kept a
prisoner until after Bacon’s death. He lost heavily by the rebellion in estate
and goods. He went to England in October, 1677, where he continued his career
as a merchant.