That in whatsoever place, howse, or ship, any of the said persons shall reside, be hidd, or protected, we declaire the owners, Masters or inhabitants of said places, to be confederates and trayters to the people; and the estates of them as alsoe of all the aforesaid persons to be confiscated, and this we the Commons of Virginia, doe declare, desiering a firme union amongst ourselves that we may joyntly and with one accord defend ourselves against the common Enimy, and lett not the faults of the guilty be the reproach of the inocent, or the faults or crimes of the oppressors devide and separate us who have suffered by theire oppressions.
These are therefore in his majesties name to command you forthwith to seize the persons above mencioned as Trayters to the King and Country and them to bring to Midle plantacon, and there to secure them untill further order, and in case of opposicion, if you want any further assistance you are forthwith to demand itt in the name of the people in all the Counties of Virginia.
Nath. Bacon.
Genll by Consent of the people.
108. Testimony of Political Discontent as a Cause of Bacon's Rebellion
Virginia Historical Magazine, II, 166-173, 289-292.
When Bacon's Rebellion had been crushed, royal commissioners arrived in the colony, with instructions to inform themselves "of all grievances." The commissioners met the inhabitants at various County Courts, and took down their complaints in writing. These complaints show some of the real causes of Bacon's Rebellion. Of course, to these royal commissioners the people as a rule would say little of infringements upon political liberty (because commissioners from Charles II could not be expected to have any sympathy with such complaints), and they would say much about misgovernment and economic oppression. The following extracts from the commissioners' records are selected to show that complaints regarding political oppression did find voice, even under such conditions. These entries might be greatly extended.
(1) Gloster County
4. That severall grievances being presented to the June Assembly [1676] upon which many good Lawes were consented to by that Assembly [No. 106] ... they Beg those good and wholesome Lawes may be confirmed.