General Bacon's ardour and decision of character were not in the least
abated by his late perils and imprisonment; on the contrary, recent
developments had relieved him from suspense and inspired him with new
motives for action, to say nothing of the redress loudly demanded, by
all classes of the citizens, for the Governor's increasing oppressions.
Scarcely was sufficient time allowed for his devoted officers to shake
him cordially by the hand, before his gallant band of patriots was
marching towards Jamestown, without music or noise of any kind. There
was a cool settled determination visible in the countenances of all,
which was admirably evinced by the order and alacrity with which they
obeyed the general's orders. Bacon's cause had now become personal with
every man in the ranks, composed as they were principally of hardy
planters and more chivalrous Cavaliers, who knew not at what moment they
might themselves be subjected to like wrongs and indignities to those
from which he had just escaped. As the chief had anticipated, the
patriot army arrived on the heights of Jamestown, just as the shades of
night were enclosing the forest. It was not his intention that Sir
William Berkley should ascertain his arrival and position, until he had
made suitable dispositions for his reception, should he feel disposed to
pay him a visit. Accordingly, the whole army was immediately employed in
digging an entrenchment, and erecting a barricade of fallen trees, for
the protection of the troops, should it be found necessary in their
future operations. These transactions took place, it will be remembered,
on the evening of the same day in which Bacon parted from the Recluse,
and landed upon the main shore.
Meanwhile, Sir William Berkley, his family, suite and followers, of high
and low degree, had effected their landing without opposition at
Jamestown. The same night that Bacon and his patriot followers were
entrenching themselves on the heights, the Governor and his adherents
were marshalling themselves in the city. Great numbers of the citizens,
however, were decidedly opposed to Sir William and his measures; and his
arrival and military preparations were no sooner perceived, then they
betook themselves, with their families and property, under cover of
night, to the privacy of the neighbouring plantations: numbers of them
accidentally encountered the patriots at their work, and immediately
sending on their families, joined their standard. Besides the land and
naval forces now at the disposal of the Governor--and they already
outnumbered his opponents--he offered every inducement to the worthless
and dissolute loungers of the town to unite with his army; he did not
even hesitate to promise largely of the plunder, and confiscated
property of the rebels.
On the succeeding morning, the sun rose upon the ancient city, in
unclouded splendour, for the last time it was destined ever to shine
upon the earliest erected city in North America. It was the dreaded day
to our heroine, appointed for her marriage. Her uncle had solemnly
assured her upon their landing on the previous day, that the one which
had now arrived, should see her the wife of Beverly. The latter, too,
claimed the fulfilment of her solemn promise. The distressed and
enfeebled girl knew not whither to turn for sympathy and succour; she
was beset on all sides, and not a little oppressed with the shackles of
her own promise. She did not dare to hope that her lover had already
made his way from Accomac to her own vicinity. She remembered indeed,
that the Recluse had charged her, in case of any sudden danger or
emergency, to send him a memento of the bloody seal, but she likewise
remembered, that he had since been the main cause of her separation from
one to whom she was heart and soul devoted. She was also oppressed with
unutterable sadness on account of her mother's death, the true account
of which she had just heard,--the body having been sent by the patriots
to the city for burial, immediately before her arrival. To her aunt she
appealed, with touching pathos; but alas, she could do nothing, even had
she been so disposed. Wyanokee had returned with the body of her
mother, and by her devotion to the revered remains, revived all
Virginia's former affection, but she was powerless, and withal a
prisoner, and so wrapped up in her own gloomy meditations, that she
looked more like one of the dumb idols of her own race, than a living
maiden. When spoken to, she started up as one from a trance--and without
speaking again, sought communion with her own ideal world.
The hour was a second time fast approaching for the celebration of the
nuptials of our heroine. None of the fortunate occurrences or lucky
accidents for which she had hoped, relieved the despair of the fleeting
moments. Her uncle and Beverly had both repeatedly sent up to her
apartments, and desired to be admitted to her presence, but on various
pretences they had been as yet denied. Her aunt had again and again
urged her to prepare for the ceremony, but hour after hour flew by, and
she was still sitting in her _robe de chambre_ her neglected ringlets
hanging in loose clusters over her forehead and neck, the former of
which rested upon her hand, and it in its turn upon her knee--her head
turned slightly to one side, where Wyanokee sat, straight as an Indian
arrow, and silent and immovable as death. At length she heard her uncle
at the door, who swore that if she did not dress and descend immediately
to the parlour, where the clergyman and Beverly were in waiting, he
would have the door forced, and compel her to go through the ceremony
even should her feet refuse to sustain her. Soon after he had retired,
Lady Berkley again entered, when the distressed and bereaved maiden
clasped her round the neck and wept bitterly. "Oh, dearest aunt," she
exclaimed, "save me from this desecration--this perjury! Great and
merciful God," she cried, loosing her hold, and clasping her hands, "how
can I vow before Heaven to love, honour and obey a man that I abhor and
detest?"
"You should have thought of that, my dear child, before you gave your
solemn promise to Frank; it is too late now to retract."
"Is it even so? then I will swear when they come to ask me to pledge my
vows, that my love never was mine to give away; that I learned its
existence in another's possession. They shall not--they cannot force me
to swear an untruth. They may lead me through the outward forms of a
marriage ceremony, but racks and torments shall not make me in any way
accessary to the deed. If I promised otherwise, it was the last
despairing refuge of outraged nature. It was the instinct of
preservation within me, and not my free and voluntary act." Influenced
by this idea, she stood like an automaton, and suffered her women to
deck her out in bridal array, and was then mechanically led from her
room, accompanied by her aunt, Wyanokee, and her female dependants. She
found Sir William Berkley and Frank Beverly waiting her approach in the
entry. She shrunk back at the sight of the latter, but he, none the less
bold, approached at the same time with her uncle, and together they led
her toward the room where the clergyman waited, with many of the loyal
Cavaliers. When they arrived at the door, and she saw the reverend
gentleman in his robes, and the book open before him, her excited frame
could bear the tension no longer, and she fell lifeless upon the floor.
A loud roar from the brazen throat of a cannon at the same moment shook
the windows like a peal of thunder, and was succeeded by the echoing
blasts of the trumpet's charge, multiplying the bold challengers it
rolled from river to cliff. This plan of daring an opponent to battle,
was strictly in accordance with the usages of the age, and was instantly
understood by the Governor and his friends, all of whom flew to the
windows, where they beheld a sight, which soon drove softer emotions
from their hearts, if they had any. The former saw the smoke curling
over Bacon's breastwork and entrenchments, and was struck dumb with
amazement. But soon recovering his voice, and throwing up the sash, he
shouted to the guard below, "to arms, to arms--for king and country."
Whatever were the faults of Sir William Berkley, and they will be
considered many in this refined age and renovated country, cowardice was
not one of them. In a very few moments he mounted his charger and,
together with Beverly and Ludwell, galloped swiftly along his forming
battalions rebuking the tardy and cheering on the brave. With his
superior numbers and heavier appointments, he felt as sure of victory as
if he already sat in judgment, or was pronouncing sentence upon the
chief of the rebels. That Bacon was already at the head of his army
never for a moment entered his imagination; but the knowledge would have
made no change in his arrogant calculations, even had he possessed it.
So confident was he of an easy and speedy victory, that he scouted the
idea of remaining within the palisade, and waiting for the attack of the
patriots; and this was indeed becoming every moment more impracticable,
for the cannon balls from the heights were even now tearing through the
houses, riddling the ships and throwing his troops into confusion. No
time therefore was to be lost. He ordered the vessels to draw off into
the middle of the stream, threw open the gates, and sallied boldly out
to meet the foe.
Virginia was borne to her apartment still senseless, and the physician
was immediately sent for, but before his arrival, she had several times
opened her eyes as her aunt with real but unavailing sorrow in her
countenance applied the usual restoratives. At every discharge of the
artillery she slightly moved; her excited imagination identified the
sound with the fearful thunder that attended the former disastrous
ceremony at the chapel.
But when her aunt explained to her the occasion of the uproar, she
sprang up in the bed, clasped her hands, threw her eyes to Heaven, and
exclaimed,--"Merciful God, I thank thee! Providence has indeed
interposed for my preservation! Oh, if _he_ could only be there?--No,
no, no, it is better, perhaps, as it is--for cruel as my uncle is, I
could not bear to see him pierced by Bacon's sword, and he would
assuredly seek his life. Merciful Father, thou orderest all things
wisely. Aunt, let me prepare you for another turn of fortune! The
patriots will be successful! my heart assures me they will. Young Dudley
and Harrison are there, and they have lion hearts; but weep not, aunt,
they are as generous as they are brave."
Sir William Berkley, with that blind, passionate, and impetuous courage
for which he was distinguished, scarcely delayed to organize his troops
effectually, but rushed with reckless fury against his enemies.
Bacon, from the moment that he perceived the marshalling of the troops
outside the gate, silenced his cannon, and waked with coolness, and in
profound silence, the approach of the opposing columns. Sir William
began to calculate upon a bloodless and easy victory, and even
contemplated sending in a flag with terms of capitulation. But dearly
did he pay for his error, and terribly was he awakened from the
momentary delusion.
Bacon had persisted in waiting the onset, notwithstanding the impetuous
ardour of his troops, until he could make every shot effective; he knew
his inferiority of numbers, and determined to compensate for his
disparity of force by coolness and precision. "Wait until you see the
white of their eyes, my fine fellows," was his often repeated answer to
the suggestions and even entreaties of his impatient cannoniers; but
when at length he did give the word "fire!" most effectually was it
echoed. The very heights seemed to the panic stricken troops of the
Governor, to pour out red hot iron and smoke. They were speedily rallied
and brought again to the charge--and again the same fearful reception
awaited their farther progress, with the addition, at the second onset,
of a volley of musketry. Dreadful was the havoc in the royal ranks, and
terrible the dismay of the soldiery. The rabble which the Governor had
hastily collected in the town, fairly took to their heels and fled to
the protection of the fort. Again the valiant old knight rode among his
troops, and cheered them to the onset, but at each succeeding attack,
some more fatal reserve was brought into action. At length the patriot
chief, standing upon his rude fortification, and looking down upon the
dismayed and retreating loyalists, began to take counsel of his youthful
ardour--he longed to measure swords with the officer whom he beheld
riding so constantly by the side of the Governor. He saw the officers of
the king, as they rode among their troops, some with tears in their eyes
endeavouring to rally them, and others swearing and rebuking their
cowardly followers; and he determined to permit them to rally and then
bear down upon them with his own high spirited and ardent soldiers. He
was quickly mounted, as were also Dudley, Harrison, and the brave band
of youthful Cavaliers who had adhered so long and so faithfully to his
fortunes. When he announced this determination to his army, the welkin
rung again with their joyous acclamations, and every heart throbbed in
unison with his own, and assured him of victory.
"This night," said Bacon in a low voice to Dudley, as they rode over the
entrenchment--"Jamestown shall be a heap of ashes!"
Dudley made no reply, but smote his clenched hand upon his harness with
emphasis, returning the glance of his commander with one of cordial
approval.
Sir William Berkley and his subordinates, seeing the movement of their
opponents, were soon enabled to rally the disheartened troops, and as
the patriot army marched down the hill, the royalists in turn, raised
the cheering chorus.
The loyal army had not at any time during the engagement, presented so
formidable an appearance, as they did at this moment, and they in their
turn silently awaited the sortie of the enemy. As Bacon's followers
debouched, they visibly accelerated their pace to double quick time, and
the two bodies came together with a shock like the explosion of a
magazine. Terrible was the _melee_, and dreadful the carnage which
ensued. As they closed, Bacon raised his voice, and addressing Beverly
by name, called upon him to sustain his late charges. Consternation was
visible in the countenances both of Beverly and the Governor at the
unexpected appearance of the patriot chief, but the former yielded to it
only for an instant--in the next the youthful champions plunged the
rowels into the flanks of their chargers, and rushed at each other like
infuriated wild beasts. The fire flew from their swords, and their eyes
flashed not less brightly, but at the first onset, Beverly's weapon
snapped off short at the guard. Bacon raised himself in the stirrups,
and was about to plunge his blade deep into the breast of his hated
rival, but it fell harmless upon the mane of his charger, and he drew
back to the command of his troops. Beverly wheeled his horse and rode
slowly from the field, deeply wounded and mortified; as much perhaps at
the contrast between Bacon's forbearance and his own late vote of
condemnation, as at the disaster and defeat he had sustained.
As Bacon returned to reanimate his troops, he found that a new ally was
doing battle in his cause. He saw near the right wing, the flourishes of
a gigantic arm, which he had formerly seen do service. The Recluse was
indeed there; how long since, Bacon knew not, but he seemed to be
already in the thickest of the fight. He had lost his cap, and his bald
head towered amid his fellows and brightly glistened in the sun. His
right arm was bare to the shoulder, and dyed with blood to the finger
ends. He seemed striving to throw his life away, and more than once
thrust himself into the very ranks of the foe, but as often the
terror-struck loyalists gave way before him. He seemed to be perfectly
invulnerable, for not a wound had he yet received.
The consequences of the first repulse at the assault on Bacon's
intrenchments could not be overcome by the now exhausted and dismayed
loyalists. One column after another gave way, and fled into the town,
until not more than half remained. These were the regular troops, which
had throughout adhered so firmly to the person and fortunes of the
Governor. His friends urged him to capitulate, but he was as obstinate
in battle as he had before shown himself in council.
He was at length almost dragged from the field by his friends--as all
his troops were flying in disorder and confusion into the town. The
patriots rushed in, together with their flying foes. The Recluse had
seized some flying charger, and, still bareheaded, was dealing death to
those who came within the sweep of his terrific weapon. Bacon over and
over again, offered quarter to the flying remnant, but they fought as
they ran, keeping up something like an irregular action, the whole
distance from the field of battle to the city.
At length both parties were within the walls, and the fight was renewed,
but the loyalists were soon driven from the field. Some escaped by boats
to the shipping--and among these, Sir William Berkley was forcibly
dragged from the city as he had been from the field. In vain he pleaded
the situation of his wife and niece; he was assured by his friends of
their safety in the hands of the victor, and still urged forward in his
flight. Many poor fellows plunged into the river, and endeavoured to
save themselves by swimming to the ships which still adhered to the
loyal cause, but numbers perished in the attempt.
Bacon with difficulty restrained himself by a sense of duty, long enough
to see the victory complete, before he leaped from his horse, and rushed
up the stairs of the Governor's house, where, in a few moments, he was
clasped in the arms of the amazed and delighted Virginia,
notwithstanding the presence of Lady Berkley. He had no sooner exchanged
those thousand little nameless but endearing questions and answers, that
leap into life unbidden after such an absence and such a meeting, than
he turned to Lady Berkley, and said, "Madam, a safe escort to convey you
to your husband, waits your commands, at any moment you may choose to
leave the city."
"But my niece--is she also free to go?"
"What says my Virginia--will she accept a soldier's protection?"
"With all my heart and soul," she answered.
While they discoursed thus, the bells were ringing, and huge columns of
smoke shot up past the windows on every side, and burning timbers
sparkled and cracked with increasing and startling rapidity. Bacon
instantly understood the cause, and taking Virginia in his arms, and
bidding Lady Berkley and Wyanokee, who till now had scarcely been
noticed, to follow, he rushed into the street, and beheld Jamestown in
flames. In a short time it was a pile of black and scorched ruins, as it
has stood from that day to the present.