Great Epochs in American History, Volume 2: The Planting of the First Colonies: 1562—1733
History
Great Epochs in American History, Volume 2: The Planting of the First Colonies: 1562—1733
United States -- History
This Gentleman who has of late becconed the attention of all men of
understanding who are any ways desirous of Novelty, [or] care what
becomes of any part of the World besides that themselves live in, had
the honour to be descended of an Ancient and Honourable Family, his
name Nathanael Bacon, to whom to the long known Title of Gentleman, by
his long study [at] the Inns of Court he has since added that of
Esquire. He was the Son of Mr. Thomas Bacon of an ancient Seat known
by the denomination of Freestone-Hall, in the County of Suffolk, a
Gentleman of known loyalty and ability. His Father as he was able so
he was willing to allow this his Son a very Gentile Competency to
subsist upon, but he as it proved having a Soul too large for that
allowance, could not contain himself within bounds; which his careful
Father perceiving, and also that he had a mind to Travel (having seen
divers parts of the World before) consented to his inclination of
going to Virginia, and accommodated him with a Stock for that purpose,
to the value of 1,800l. Starling, as I am credibly informed by a
Merchant of very good wealth, who is now in this City, and had the
fortune to carry him thither.
He began his Voyage thitherwards about Three years since, and lived
for about a years space in that Continent in very good repute, his
extraordinary parts like a Letter of recommendation rendring him
aceptable in all mens company, whilst his considerable Concerns in
that place were able to bear him out in the best of Society. These
Accomplishments of mind and fortune rendred him so remarkable, that
the worthy Governour of that Continent thought it requisite to take
him into his Privy Council.
That Plantation which he chose to settle in is generally known by the
name of Curles, situate in the upper part of James River and the time
of his revolt was not till the beginning of March, 1675-6. At which
time the Susquo-hannan Indians (a known Enemy to that Country) having
made an Insurrection, and kild divers of the English, amongst whom it
was his misfortune to have a Servant slain; in revenge of whose death,
and other dammage(s) he received from those turbulent Susquo-hanians,
without the Governeur's consent he furiously took up Arms against
them, and was so fortunate as to put them to flight, but not content
therewith; the aforesaid Governour hearing of his eager pursuit after
the vanquisht Indians, sent out a select Company of Souldiers to
command him to desist; but he instead of listning thereunto, persisted
in his Revenge, and sent to the Governour to intreat his Commission,
that he might more chearfully prosecute his design; which being denyed
him by the Messenger he sent for that purpose, he notwithstanding
continued to make head with his own Servants, and other English then
resident in Curles against them.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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