pretended that he accepted of their command with no other intention but
to do them and the country service, in which he was willing to encounter
the greatest difficulties and dangers. He farther assured them he would
never lay down his arms till he had revenged their sufferings upon the
Indians, and redressed all their other grievances.

Sec. 97. By these insinuations he wrought his men into so perfect an
unanimity, that they were one and all at his devotion. He took care to
exasperate them to the utmost, by representing all their misfortunes.
After he had begun to muster them, he dispatched a messenger to the
governor, by whom he aggravated the mischiefs done by the Indians, and
desired a commission of general to go out against them. This gentleman
was in so great esteem at that time with the council, that the governor
did not think fit to give him a flat refusal; but sent him word he would
consult the council, and return him a farther answer.

Sec. 98. In the mean time Bacon was expeditious in his preparations, and
having all things in readiness, began his march, depending on the
authority the people had given him. He would not lose so much time as to
stay for his commission; but dispatched several messengers to the
governor to hasten it. On the other hand, the governor, instead of a
commission, sent positive orders to him to disperse his men and come
down in person to him, upon pain of being declared a rebel.

Sec. 99. This unexpected order was a great surprise to Bacon, and not a
little trouble to his men. However, he was resolved to prosecute his
first intentions, depending upon his strength and interest with the
people. Nevertheless, he intended to wait upon the governor, but not
altogether defenceless. Pursuant to this resolution, he took about forty
of his men down with him in a sloop to Jamestown, where the governor was
with his council.

Sec. 100. Matters did not succeed there to Mr. Bacon's satisfaction,
wherefore he expressed himself a little too freely. For which, being
suspended from the council, he went away again in a huff with his sloop
and followers. The governor filled a long boat with men, and pursued the
sloop so close, that Colonel Bacon moved into his boat to make more
haste. But the governor had sent up by land to the ships at Sandy Point,
where he was stopped and sent down again. Upon his return he was kindly
received by the governor, who, knowing he had gone a step beyond his
instructions in