CHAPTER I.
OF THE CONSTITUTION OF GOVERNMENT IN VIRGINIA.
§ 1. I have already hinted, that the first settlement of this country was under the direction of a company of merchants incorporated.
That the first constitution of government appointed by them was a president and council, which council was nominated by the corporation or company in London, and the president annually chosen by the people in Virginia.
That in the year 1610, this constitution was altered, and the company obtained a new grant of his majesty; whereby they themselves had the nomination of the governor, who was obliged to act only by advice in council.
That in the year 1620, an assembly of burgesses was first called, from all the inhabited parts of the country, who sat in consultation with the governor and council, for settling the public affairs of the plantation.
That when the company was dissolved, the king continued the same method of government, by a governor, council and burgesses; which three being united were called the general assembly.
That this general assembly debated all the weighty affairs of the colony, and enacted laws for the better government of the people; and the governor and council were to put them in execution.
That the governor and council were appointed by the king, and the assembly chosen by the people.