XL.
FRANCIS, LORD HOWARD.
(BARON EFFINGHAM.)
XL. Lieutenant-Governor.
XL. April 16, 1684, to October 20, 1688.
Lord Effingham opened his career in Virginia with
instructions from England "to allow no person to use a printing
press on any occasion whatsoever." This was "agreeably
to the prayers of Sir W. Berkeley." Being equally as
avaricious as Lord Culpeper, he soon, by his overbearing
measures, made himself generally detested. Trouble with
the Indians again assailing the tranquility of the Colony,
Lord Effingham went to Albany, and there, with the Governor
of New York, met the chiefs of the Five Nations and
effected with them a Treaty of Peace. These Five Nations,
the Oneidas, Onondagos, Cayugas, Mohawks, and Senecas,
had absorbed all the other Indians in the country, and
formed a very powerful combination.
During Effingham's absence in New York, Nathaniel
Bacon, Senior, President of the Council, assumed his duties.
"Lord Howard was not present in the General Court after
22d April, 1687, and then, Nathaniel Bacon was President;
but Lord Howard did not leave the country, for he
signed patents till 20th October, 1688." At this time he
embarked for England, being recalled at the request of the
colonists. His course in Virginia had been cruel and tyrannical,
and he perverted the noble opportunities of his position
to personal emolument and benefit. He was the son and
heir of Sir Charles Howard, and succeeded to his title in
1681. He died in England in 1694.
