.
With sentiment at a fevered pitch against the Indians and the government, conditions were ripe for a leader to emerge to combat them. At this point, Nathaniel Bacon, a young, wealthy Englishman who had recently settled in the backcountry of Virginia, entered the action as a major participant. Indians had attacked Bacon's plantation, killing one of his indentured servants, and he wanted revenge for this deed. Bacon led a party of men into the frontier, without commission, to confront the Indians. He met with success by convincing two rivaling tribes to attack each other, and then attacking the remnants himself (Wertenbaker 20). Governor Berkeley declared Bacon and his followers to be rebels and traitors, both of which carried a potential penalty of death (Washburn 41).
Bacon returned to Jamestown where, accompanied by 50 well-armed men, he handed a written confession acknowledging his misdeeds and promising no further disturbances. The Governor granted him a pardon and restored his seat in the House of Burgesses (Andrews 55). The June 1676 assembly of the House of Burgesses was a marked point in history. During this assembly, many bills reforming colonial government were passed, among them were the first bill allowing all freemen the right to vote, and a bill which constituted the idea of representation throughout the entire governmental process (Washburn 60). Bacon pressured further for commission to execute Indian attacks, but found approval only after his nearby followers readied their weapons (Washburn 57).
As Bacon readied his forces to pursue battles with the Indians, his aggression required the acquisition of horses and supplies from many local residents. Settlers near Gloucester, who disliked the seizure of their properties, questioned Governor Berkeley as to the legality of Bacon's commission. Berkeley responded by indicating that Bacon's commission was stolen by force.
