Virginia Under the Stuarts 1607-1688

dicting the calumnies of their enemies. In the midst of the controversy the Privy Council had appointed a commission which they sent to Virginia to investigate conditions there and to gather evidence against the Company. This board consisted of John Harvey, John Pory, Abraham Piersey and Samuel Matthews, men destined to play prominent roles in Virginia history, but then described as "certayne obscure persons".1 When the commissioners reached the colony they made known to the Assembly the King's desire to revoke the charter and to take upon himself the direction of the government. They then asked the members to subscribe to a statement expressing their gratitude for the care of the King, and willingness to consent to the contemplated change. The Assembly returned the paper unsigned. "When our consent," they said, "to the surrender of the Pattents, shalbe required, will be the most proper time to make reply: in the mean time wee conceive his Majesties intention of changing the government hath proceeded from much misinformation."2 After this they ignored the commissioners, and addressed themselves in direct letters and petitions to the King and the Privy Council.3 They apprehended, they wrote, no danger from the present government, which had converted into freedom the slavery they had endured in former times.4 They prayed that their liberal institutions might not be destroyed 'F. R., p. 556; Osg, Vol. Ill, p. 47. 'F. R., p. 574. or the old Smith faction of th...