d itself
assiduously in what was thought the holy work of punishing heretics,
and introducing conformity in matters of faith. In this time, the sect
denominated Quakers appeared. They were fined, imprisoned, whipped,
and, at length put to death; but could not be totally suppressed. As
enthusiastic as their persecutors, they gloried in their sufferings,
and deemed themselves the martyrs of truth.

CHAPTER V.

Transactions succeeding the restoration of Charles II....
Contests between Connecticut and New Haven.... Discontents
in Virginia.... Grant to the Duke of York.... Commissioners
appointed by the crown.... Conquest of the Dutch
settlements.... Conduct of Massachusetts to the royal
commissioners.... Their recall.... Massachusetts evades a
summons to appear before the King and council.... Settlement
of Carolina.... Form of government.... Constitution of Mr.
Locke.... Discontents in the county of Albemarle....
Invasion from Florida.... Abolition of the constitution of
Mr. Locke.... Bacon's rebellion.... His death.... Assembly
deprived of judicial power.... Discontents in Virginia....
Population of the colony.

{1660}

The restoration of Charles II. was soon known in America, and excited,
in the different colonies very different emotions. In Virginia, and in
Maryland, the intelligence was received with transport, and the King
was proclaimed amidst acclamations of unfeigned joy. In Massachusetts,
the unwelcome information was heard with doubt, and in silence.
Republicans in religion and in politics, all their affections were
engaged in favour of the revolutionary party in England, and they saw,
in the restoration of monarchy, much more to fear than to hope for
themselves. Nor were they mistaken in their forebodings.

No sooner was Charles seated on the throne, than Parliament voted a
duty of five _per centum_ on all merchandises exported from, or
imported into, any of the dominions belonging to the English crown;
and, in the course of the same session the celebrated navigation act
was re-enacted. The difficulty of carrying this system into execution
among a distant people, accustomed to the advantages of a free trade,
was foreseen; and the law directed that the governors of the several
plantations should, before entering into office, take an oath
faithfully to observe it.[85]

[Footnote 85: Chalmer. Hutchison.]

As some compensation to