University of Virginia Library

CHAPTER IX

THE COLONY UNDER THE COMMONWEALTH[8]

Execution of Charles I. — In England the struggle between
the king and Parliament had grown so bitter that,
in 1642, civil war broke out — the Puritan

Charles I

contest against royalty. The country was
divided into two hostile parties. Those
who supported the king and the Established
Church were known as Cavaliers, while
those who took sides with Parliament in
its opposition to the king belonged
to the Puritan party, and were
known as Parliamentarians, or Roundheads.
In all the strife that went
on, Virginia had no part, but remained
quiet and prosperous, though
communication with the mother
country was interrupted. The people were, on the whole,
royalists; and, as the difficulties that surrounded the unhappy
Charles I. increased, they were filled with apprehension
as to the result that would ensue. Finally their
worst fears were realized, when the king was captured by
his enemies, sentenced to death, and on the 30th of January,
1649, executed.

The Colony Loyal to Charles II. — The Virginians refused
to recognize the authority of the Commonwealth, which
ruled in England after the death of the king. The House
of Burgesses met in October, 1649; and its very first act
was to express the greatest respect for "the late most
excellent and now undoubtedly sainted king." All reflections
on his memory were declared to be treasonable, as
were any doubts that might be expressed in regard to the
right of Charles II. to succeed him.

The Coming of the Cavaliers. — After the king's cause
had gone down in disaster, many Cavaliers fled from
England to Virginia, where they were most cordially
welcomed by the governor and by the people. Many
persons of means belonging to the nobility, clergy, and
gentry came over at this period. The importance of this
immigration is shown by the fact that in 1650 Virginia
contained about fifteen thousand inhabitants, and in 1670
forty thousand. The coming of the Cavaliers added to
the loyalty of the people; for the exiles aroused sympathy
by their misfortunes, and caused increased interest to be
felt in royalty by the accounts they gave of the war that
had been waged for the unfortunate king.

The Commonwealth Asserts its Authority. — For three
years Virginia continued to acknowledge Charles II.
as her sovereign; and, during this period, Parliament
was too busy with affairs in England to give attention
to colonies that were rebellious. But at the end of this

time, it had triumphed over its enemies at home, and it
then sent a squadron to reduce the Virginians to obedience.
The ships reached Virginia waters in March, 1652,
and found that Governor Berkeley had made preparations
for vigorous defense. But, when negotiations were
opened, the Virginians agreed to acknowledge the authority
of the Commonwealth, provided their submission was considered
as voluntary, it being understood at the same time
that their country was not to be treated as if it had been
conquered, but that the people were to enjoy all the liberties
of free-born Englishmen, and should not be subjected
to taxes without the consent of the House of Burgesses.
Upon these terms a treaty was made between the Burgesses,
who acted for the colony, and commissioners appointed by
Parliament to represent the Commonwealth. When this
took place, Governor Berkeley resigned, and was succeeded
by Richard Bennet, one of the commissioners.

The Colony Prospers during the Time of the Commonwealth.
— During the existence of the Commonwealth in
England, which lasted from 1649 to 1660, Virginia enjoyed
freedom of commerce with the whole world, and along
with it came prosperity and a rapid development of the
country. Many of the emigrants, who had poured into
the colony during the civil strife in England and after the
death of the king, were men of education and property,
who now gave their time and energies to the care of
their plantations. Virginia grew in reputation as a desirable
place in which to live. The soil was so fertile,
was so well watered by the many rivers, creeks, and brooks
that coursed through it, and responded so easily to cultivation,
that visions of limitless wealth were entertained as
the result of new products, which, it was hoped, could be
introduced. The gay-plumaged birds, the game that filled

the majestic forests, the fish that were to be found in the
waters, added to the attractions of the country, especially
to the new settlers. It was declared to be "the best poor
man's country in the world," and it was said, "If a happy
peace be settled in poor England, then they in Virginia
shall be as happy as any people under heaven."

QUESTIONS

• 1. What state of affairs in England led to civil war?

• 2. How did it affect Virginia?

• 3. What was the unhappy fate of Charles I.?

• 4. What was Virginia's attitude towards the Commonwealth?

• 5. Give an account of the coming of the Cavaliers.

• 6. What effect did it have on the loyalty of the people?

• 7. Why did the Commonwealth have to assert its authority?

• 8. Upon what conditions did Virginia agree to acknowledge its
  authority?

• 9. What did Berkeley do when the House of Burgesses signed the
  treaty?

• 10. What privileges and prosperity did Virginia enjoy under the
  Commonwealth?

• 11. Why was it declared to be "the best poor man's country in the
  world"?