Berkeley stood the shock much better than Hansford expected. His face flushed for a moment, but only for a moment, as he replied,—
“This is certainly an unusual demand of a rebel; but sir, as I have nothing to fear from an exposure of my reasons, I will reply, that Nathaniel Bacon is now in arms against the government of Virginia.”
“Not unless the government of Virginia be allied with the Indians, against whom he is marching,” said Hansford, calmly.
“Aye, but it is well known,” returned Berkeley, “that he has covert views of his own to attain, under pretext of this expedition against the Indians.”
“Why, then,” replied Hansford, “if they are covert from his own followers, proclaim them traitors with himself; or, if covert from the government, how can you ascertain that they are treasonable? But, above all, if you suspected such traitorous designs, why, by your commission, elevate him to a position in which he may be able to execute them with success?”
“'Fore God, gentlemen, this is the most barefaced insolence that I have ever heard. For yourself, young man, out of your own mouth will I judge you, and convict you of treason; and for your preceptor—whose lessons, I doubt not, you repeat by rote—you may tell him that his commission is null and void, because obtained by force and arms.”
“I had not expected to hear Sir William Berkeley make such an acknowledgment,” returned Hansford, undauntedly. “You yourself declared that the commission was not given from fear of threats; and even if this were not so, the argument would scarce avail—for on what compulsion was it that your signature appears in a letter to his majesty, warmly approving the conduct of General Bacon, and commending him for his zeal, talents and patriotism?”[40]
“Now, by my knighthood,” said Berkeley, stung by this last unanswerable argument, “I will not be bearded thus by an insolent, braggart boy. Seize him!” he cried, turning to Bernard and Ludwell, who stood nearest him. “He is my prisoner, and as an example to his vile confederates, he shall hang in half an hour, until his traitorous tongue has stopped its vile wagging.”
Hansford made no attempt to escape, but, as the two men approached to disarm and bind him, he fixed his fine blue eyes full upon Colonel Temple, and said, mildly,
“Shall this be so? Though Sir William Berkeley should fail to respect my position, as the bearer of a peaceable message from General Bacon, I trust that the rites of hospitality may not be violated, even in my humble person.”