lony became a refuge for
English cavaliers, that it surrendered to Parliament only when
conquered by an armed expedition and that it restored Charles II as King
of Virginia even before he had regained his power in England.

All of this is either misleading or entirely false. It is true that the
Assembly proclaimed Charles II King in 1649 and passed laws making it
high treason for any person to uphold the legality of the dethronement
and execution of his father.[6-39] But this was largely the work of Sir
William Berkeley and the small group of well-to-do men who were
dependent upon him for their welfare. The very fact that it was felt
necessary to threaten with dire punishment all who spread abroad reports
"tending to a change of government," shows that there existed a fear
that such a change might be effected.[6-40] How many of the small
planters were at heart friendly to Parliament it is impossible to say,
but the number was large enough to cause Sir William Berkeley such
serious misgivings as to his own personal safety that he obtained from
the Assembly a guard of ten men to protect him from assassination.[6-41]

Nor can it be said that Virginia was forced into an unwilling submission
to Parliament. It is true that an expedition was sent to conquer the
colony, which entered the capes, sailed up to the forts at Jamestown and
there received the formal surrender of the colony.[6-42] But this
surrender was forced upon the Governor as much by the wishes of the
people as by the guns of the British fleet. In fact, the expedition had
been sent at the request of certain representatives of the Parliamentary
faction in Virginia, who made it clear to the Commonwealth leaders that
the colony was by no means unanimous for the King, and that it was held
to its allegiance only by the authority and firm will of the
Governor.[6-43] That the British Council of State expected to receive
active assistance from their friends in Virginia is evident, for they
gave directions for raising troops there and for appointing
officers.[6-44] And there can be no doubt that the imposing military
force which had been gathered to defend Jamestown was not called into
action chiefly because Berkeley became convinced that it could not be
relied upon to fight against the Commonwealth soldiers.

The new regime which was introduced with the articles of surrender made
of Virginia virtually a little republic. In England the long cherished
hope of the patriots