The Cavaliers of Virginia, vol. 2 of 2: or, The Recluse of Jamestown; An historical romance of the Old DominionCaruthers, William Alexander
History
The Cavaliers of Virginia, vol. 2 of 2: or, The Recluse of Jamestown; An historical romance of the Old Dominion
Caruthers, William Alexander
Virginia -- History -- Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775 -- Fiction
wrists, he at length succeeded in so wearing down the iron, that he
could at any moment throw aside the manacles. Encouraged with this
success, he moved the meat-block against the wall, and made all
preparations for a breach, as soon as he should be satisfied that the
darkness of night would cover his movements.
To while away the time usefully, he threw himself upon his rude bed, and
was soon, from the effects of great previous mental excitement and
bodily fatigue, wrapt in profound slumber.
The shadows of night had closed around this land in the midst of waters
in sombre hues, and the prisoner still slept profoundly.
In the mean time circumstances were in progress on the bay, which had a
most important bearing upon the fate of every one then at Accomac.
It has already been stated that Sir William Berkley had put in
requisition such of the naval power as he could bring to bear upon his
immediate designs and pressing necessities. But, after leaving the city
in the precipitate manner which has been related, the citizens
determined to summon to their aid, such of the ships and other vessels
of war and merchandise, as yet remained in the river, within convenient
distance of the city, and make the old knight a prisoner at Accomac.
The Governor had not long been gone before an armament superior to his
own, was seen steering in the course which he had taken. This consisted
of "one ship, a bark of four guns, a sloop and schooner." The expedition
was under the joint command of Giles Bland and William Carver, both
veteran and experienced seamen. On board of one of the vessels, and
subordinate to the officers just mentioned, was Captain Larimore; he was
one of the most devoted friends of Sir William Berkley, but his personal
predilections and loyal principles were entirely unknown, either at
Jamestown or on board the fleet. When this (at that time) formidable
armament arrived in sight of the vessels at anchor, which had borne Sir
William and his partisans to Accomac, it being now dark, (on the same
evening in which Bacon lay sleeping in his dungeon,) Capt. Larimore
proposed to his superior officers, that he would take one or two
resolute tars, and, avoiding the hostile vessels, land and reconnoitre
the position and forces of the Governor.
His proposition was promptly acceded to, and Larimore launched his boat,
selected his men, and protected by the thickness of the fog and the
darkness of the night, succeeded in effecting his landing unperceived by
the vessels in the service of the Governor. If he had been aware of
Bacon's imprisonment and condemnation, and disposed to do so, he might
have rendered him the most important services; but whether disposed to
hazard any thing in his cause or not, both he and his superiors were
ignorant of Bacon's fate.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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