448 VIRGINIA. 



left behind him, however, his son as deputy ; with sir Thomas Gates? 

 sir George Sommers, the honourable George Piercy, and Mr. New- 

 port, for his council. By them, James Town, the first town built 

 by tne'Engiisa in the New World, was erected. The colony continu- 

 ed to flourish, and the true sources of its wealth began to be disco- 

 vered and improved The first settlers, like those of Maryland, 

 were generally persons of consideration and distinction. It remain- 

 ed a steady ally to the royal party during the troubles of Great Bri- 

 tain. Many of the cavaliers, in danger at home, took refuge here ; 

 and, under the government of sir William Berkeley, held out for the 

 crown, until the parliament, rather by stratagem than force, reduced 

 them. After the restoration there is nothing very interesting in the 

 history of this province. Soon after this time, a young gentleman 

 named Bacon, a lawyer, availing himself of some discontents in the 

 colony on account of restraints in trade, became very popular, and 

 threw every thing into confusion. His death, however, restored 

 peace and unanimity. 



The government of this province was not at first adapted to the 

 principles of the English constitution, and to the enjoyment of that 

 liberty to which a subject of Great Britain thinks himself entitled in. 

 every part of the globe. It was subject to a governor and council 

 appointed by the king ol Great Britain. As the inhabitants increased^ 

 the inconvenience of this form became more grievous ; and a new 

 branch was added to the constitution, by which the people, who had 

 formerly no consideration, were allowed to elect their representatives 

 from each county into which the country was divided, with privileges 

 resembling those of the representatives of the commons of England. 

 Thus two houses, the upper and lower house of assembly, were 

 formed. The upper house, which was before called the council, 

 remained on its former footing; its members were appointed, during 

 pleasure, by the crown ; they were styled honourable, and answered 

 in some measure to the house of peers in the British constitution. 

 The lower house was the guardian of the people's liberties. When 

 any bill had passed the two houses, it came before the governor, 

 who gave his assent or negative as he thought proper. It now ac- 

 quired the force of a law, until it was transmitted to England, and 

 the king's pleasure known on that subject. The upper house of as- 

 sembly acted not only as a part of the legislature, but also as privy 

 council to the governor, without whose concurrence he could do 

 nothing b£ moment ; it sometimes acted as a court of chancery. This 

 form ot government lasted till the American Revolution, which Vir- 

 ginia was one of the first in promoting. Seven delegates were sent 

 b\ this province to meet the general congress at Philadelphia, in 

 1774. 



