The Cavaliers of Virginia, vol. 2 of 2

  CHAPTER XII.

  General Bacon's ardour and decision of character were not in the leastabated by his late perils and imprisonment; on the contrary, recentdevelopments had relieved him from suspense and inspired him with newmotives for action, to say nothing of the redress loudly demanded, byall classes of the citizens, for the Governor's increasing oppressions.Scarcely was sufficient time allowed for his devoted officers to shakehim cordially by the hand, before his gallant band of patriots wasmarching towards Jamestown, without music or noise of any kind. Therewas a cool settled determination visible in the countenances of all,which was admirably evinced by the order and alacrity with which theyobeyed the general's orders. Bacon's cause had now become personal withevery man in the ranks, composed as they were principally of hardyplanters and more chivalrous Cavaliers, who knew not at what moment theymight themselves be subjected to like wrongs and indignities to thosefrom which he had just escaped. As the chief had anticipated, thepatriot army arrived on the heights of Jamestown, just as the shades ofnight were enclosing the forest. It was not his intention that SirWilliam Berkley should ascertain his arrival and position, until he hadmade suitable dispositions for his reception, should he feel disposed topay him a visit. Accordingly, the whole army was immediately employed indigging an entrenchment, and erecting a barricade of fallen trees, forthe protection of the troops, should it be found necessary in theirfuture 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 highand low degree, had effected their landing without opposition atJamestown. The same night that Bacon and his patriot followers wereentrenching themselves on the heights, the Governor and his adherentswere marshalling themselves in the city. Great numbers of the citizens,however, were decidedly opposed to Sir William and his measures; and hisarrival and military preparations were no sooner perceived, then theybetook themselves, with their families and property, under cover ofnight, to the privacy of the neighbouring plantations: numbers of themaccidentally encountered the patriots at their work, and immediatelysending on their families, joined their standard. Besides the land andnaval forces now at the disposal of the Governor--and they alreadyoutnumbered his opponents--he offered every inducement to the worthlessand dissolute loungers of the town to unite with his army; he did noteven hesitate to promise largely of the plunder, and confiscatedproperty of the rebels.

  On the succeeding morning, the sun rose upon the ancient city, inunclouded splendour, for the last time it was destined ever to shineupon the earliest erected city in North America. It was the dreaded dayto our heroine, appointed for her marriage. Her uncle had solemnlyassured her upon their landing on the previous day, that the one whichhad now arrived, should see her the wife of Beverly. The latter, too,claimed the fulfilment of her solemn promise. The distressed andenfeebled girl knew not whither to turn for sympathy and succour; shewas beset on all sides, and not a little oppressed with the shackles ofher own promise. She did not dare to hope that her lover had alreadymade his way from Accomac to her own vicinity. She remembered indeed,that the Recluse had charged her, in case of any sudden danger oremergency, to send him a memento of the bloody seal, but she likewiseremembered, that he had since been the main cause of her separation fromone to whom she was heart and soul devoted. She was also oppressed withunutterable sadness on account of her mother's death, the true accountof which she had just heard,--the body having been sent by the patriotsto the city for burial, immediately before her arrival. To her aunt sheappealed, with touching pathos; but alas, she could do nothing, even hadshe been so disposed. Wyanokee had returned with the body of hermother, and by her devotion to the revered remains, revived allVirginia's former affection, but she was powerless, and withal aprisoner, and so wrapped up in her own gloomy meditations, that shelooked more like one of the dumb idols of her own race, than a livingmaiden. When spoken to, she started up as one from a trance--and withoutspeaking again, sought communion with her own ideal world.

  The hour was a second time fast approaching for the celebration of thenuptials of our heroine. None of the fortunate occurrences or luckyaccidents for which she had hoped, relieved the despair of the fleetingmoments. Her uncle and Beverly had both repeatedly sent up to herapartments, and desired to be admitted to her presence, but on variouspretences they had been as yet denied. Her aunt had again and againurged her to prepare for the ceremony, but hour after hour flew by, andshe was still sitting in her _robe de chambre_ her neglected ringletshanging in loose clusters over her forehead and neck, the former ofwhich rested upon her hand, and it in its turn upon her knee--her headturned slightly to one side, where Wyanokee sat, straight as an Indianarrow, and silent and immovable as death. At length she heard her uncleat the door, who swore that if she did not dress and descend immediatelyto the parlour, where the clergyman and Beverly were in waiting, hewould have the door forced, and compel her to go through the ceremonyeven should her feet refuse to sustain her. Soon after he had retired,Lady Berkley again entered, when the distressed and bereaved maidenclasped her round the neck and wept bitterly. "Oh, dearest aunt," sheexclaimed, "save me from this desecration--this perjury! Great andmerciful God," she cried, loosing her hold, and clasping her hands, "howcan I vow before Heaven to love, honour and obey a man that I abhor anddetest?"

  "You should have thought of that, my dear child, before you gave yoursolemn 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 myvows, that my love never was mine to give away; that I learned itsexistence in another's possession. They shall not--they cannot force meto swear an untruth. They may lead me through the outward forms of amarriage ceremony, but racks and torments shall not make me in any wayaccessary to the deed. If I promised otherwise, it was the lastdespairing refuge of outraged nature. It was the instinct ofpreservation within me, and not my free and voluntary act." Influencedby this idea, she stood like an automaton, and suffered her women todeck her out in bridal array, and was then mechanically led from herroom, accompanied by her aunt, Wyanokee, and her female dependants. Shefound Sir William Berkley and Frank Beverly waiting her approach in theentry. She shrunk back at the sight of the latter, but he, none the lessbold, approached at the same time with her uncle, and together they ledher toward the room where the clergyman waited, with many of the loyalCavaliers. When they arrived at the door, and she saw the reverendgentleman in his robes, and the book open before him, her excited framecould 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 shookthe windows like a peal of thunder, and was succeeded by the echoingblasts of the trumpet's charge, multiplying the bold challengers itrolled from river to cliff. This plan of daring an opponent to battle,was strictly in accordance with the usages of the age, and was instantlyunderstood by the Governor and his friends, all of whom flew to thewindows, where they beheld a sight, which soon drove softer emotionsfrom their hearts, if they had any. The former saw the smoke curlingover Bacon's breastwork and entrenchments, and was struck dumb withamazement. But soon recovering his voice, and throwing up the sash, heshouted to the guard below, "to arms, to arms--for king and country."

  Whatever were the faults of Sir William Berkley, and they will beconsidered many in this refined age and renovated country, cowardice wasnot one of them. In a very few moments he mounted his charger and,together with Beverly and Ludwell, galloped swiftly along his formingbattalions rebuking the tardy and cheering on the brave. With hissuperior numbers and heavier appointments, he felt as sure of victory asif he already sat in judgment, or was pronouncing sentence upon thechief of the rebels. That Bacon was already at the head of his armynever for a moment entered his imagination; but the knowledge would havemade no change in his arrogant calculations, even had he possessed it.

  So confident was he of an easy
and speedy victory, that he scouted theidea of remaining within the palisade, and waiting for the attack of thepatriots; and this was indeed becoming every moment more impracticable,for the cannon balls from the heights were even now tearing through thehouses, riddling the ships and throwing his troops into confusion. Notime therefore was to be lost. He ordered the vessels to draw off intothe middle of the stream, threw open the gates, and sallied boldly outto meet the foe.

  Virginia was borne to her apartment still senseless, and the physicianwas immediately sent for, but before his arrival, she had several timesopened her eyes as her aunt with real but unavailing sorrow in hercountenance applied the usual restoratives. At every discharge of theartillery she slightly moved; her excited imagination identified thesound with the fearful thunder that attended the former disastrousceremony at the chapel.

  But when her aunt explained to her the occasion of the uproar, shesprang up in the bed, clasped her hands, threw her eyes to Heaven, andexclaimed,--"Merciful God, I thank thee! Providence has indeedinterposed 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, Icould not bear to see him pierced by Bacon's sword, and he wouldassuredly seek his life. Merciful Father, thou orderest all thingswisely. Aunt, let me prepare you for another turn of fortune! Thepatriots will be successful! my heart assures me they will. Young Dudleyand 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 couragefor which he was distinguished, scarcely delayed to organize his troopseffectually, but rushed with reckless fury against his enemies.

  Bacon, from the moment that he perceived the marshalling of the troopsoutside the gate, silenced his cannon, and waked with coolness, and inprofound silence, the approach of the opposing columns. Sir Williambegan to calculate upon a bloodless and easy victory, and evencontemplated sending in a flag with terms of capitulation. But dearlydid he pay for his error, and terribly was he awakened from themomentary delusion.

  Bacon had persisted in waiting the onset, notwithstanding the impetuousardour of his troops, until he could make every shot effective; he knewhis inferiority of numbers, and determined to compensate for hisdisparity of force by coolness and precision. "Wait until you see thewhite of their eyes, my fine fellows," was his often repeated answer tothe suggestions and even entreaties of his impatient cannoniers; butwhen at length he did give the word "fire!" most effectually was itechoed. The very heights seemed to the panic stricken troops of theGovernor, to pour out red hot iron and smoke. They were speedily ralliedand brought again to the charge--and again the same fearful receptionawaited their farther progress, with the addition, at the second onset,of a volley of musketry. Dreadful was the havoc in the royal ranks, andterrible the dismay of the soldiery. The rabble which the Governor hadhastily collected in the town, fairly took to their heels and fled tothe protection of the fort. Again the valiant old knight rode among histroops, and cheered them to the onset, but at each succeeding attack,some more fatal reserve was brought into action. At length the patriotchief, standing upon his rude fortification, and looking down upon thedismayed and retreating loyalists, began to take counsel of his youthfulardour--he longed to measure swords with the officer whom he beheldriding so constantly by the side of the Governor. He saw the officers ofthe king, as they rode among their troops, some with tears in their eyesendeavouring to rally them, and others swearing and rebuking theircowardly followers; and he determined to permit them to rally and thenbear down upon them with his own high spirited and ardent soldiers. Hewas quickly mounted, as were also Dudley, Harrison, and the brave bandof youthful Cavaliers who had adhered so long and so faithfully to hisfortunes. When he announced this determination to his army, the welkinrung again with their joyous acclamations, and every heart throbbed inunison with his own, and assured him of victory.

  "This night," said Bacon in a low voice to Dudley, as they rode over theentrenchment--"Jamestown shall be a heap of ashes!"

  Dudley made no reply, but smote his clenched hand upon his harness withemphasis, returning the glance of his commander with one of cordialapproval.

  Sir William Berkley and his subordinates, seeing the movement of theiropponents, were soon enabled to rally the disheartened troops, and asthe patriot army marched down the hill, the royalists in turn, raisedthe cheering chorus.

  The loyal army had not at any time during the engagement, presented soformidable an appearance, as they did at this moment, and they in theirturn silently awaited the sortie of the enemy. As Bacon's followersdebouched, they visibly accelerated their pace to double quick time, andthe two bodies came together with a shock like the explosion of amagazine. Terrible was the _melee_, and dreadful the carnage whichensued. As they closed, Bacon raised his voice, and addressing Beverlyby name, called upon him to sustain his late charges. Consternation wasvisible in the countenances both of Beverly and the Governor at theunexpected appearance of the patriot chief, but the former yielded to itonly for an instant--in the next the youthful champions plunged therowels into the flanks of their chargers, and rushed at each other likeinfuriated wild beasts. The fire flew from their swords, and their eyesflashed not less brightly, but at the first onset, Beverly's weaponsnapped off short at the guard. Bacon raised himself in the stirrups,and was about to plunge his blade deep into the breast of his hatedrival, but it fell harmless upon the mane of his charger, and he drewback to the command of his troops. Beverly wheeled his horse and rodeslowly from the field, deeply wounded and mortified; as much perhaps atthe contrast between Bacon's forbearance and his own late vote ofcondemnation, as at the disaster and defeat he had sustained.

  As Bacon returned to reanimate his troops, he found that a new ally wasdoing battle in his cause. He saw near the right wing, the flourishes ofa gigantic arm, which he had formerly seen do service. The Recluse wasindeed there; how long since, Bacon knew not, but he seemed to bealready in the thickest of the fight. He had lost his cap, and his baldhead towered amid his fellows and brightly glistened in the sun. Hisright arm was bare to the shoulder, and dyed with blood to the fingerends. He seemed striving to throw his life away, and more than oncethrust himself into the very ranks of the foe, but as often theterror-struck loyalists gave way before him. He seemed to be perfectlyinvulnerable, for not a wound had he yet received.

  The consequences of the first repulse at the assault on Bacon'sintrenchments could not be overcome by the now exhausted and dismayedloyalists. One column after another gave way, and fled into the town,until not more than half remained. These were the regular troops, whichhad throughout adhered so firmly to the person and fortunes of theGovernor. His friends urged him to capitulate, but he was as obstinatein battle as he had before shown himself in council.

  He was at length almost dragged from the field by his friends--as allhis troops were flying in disorder and confusion into the town. Thepatriots rushed in, together with their flying foes. The Recluse hadseized some flying charger, and, still bareheaded, was dealing death tothose who came within the sweep of his terrific weapon. Bacon over andover again, offered quarter to the flying remnant, but they fought asthey ran, keeping up something like an irregular action, the wholedistance 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 boatsto the shipping--and among these, Sir William Berkley was forciblydragged from the city as he had been from the field. In vain he pleadedthe situation of his wife and niece; he was assured by his friends oftheir safety in the hands of the victor, and still urged forward in hisflight. Many poor fellows plunged into the river, and endeavoured tosave themselves by swimming to the ships which still adhered to theloyal cause, but numbers perished in the attempt.

  Bacon with difficulty restrained himself by a sense of duty, long enoughto see the victory complete, before he leaped from his horse, and rush
edup the stairs of the Governor's house, where, in a few moments, he wasclasped in the arms of the amazed and delighted Virginia,notwithstanding the presence of Lady Berkley. He had no sooner exchangedthose thousand little nameless but endearing questions and answers, thatleap into life unbidden after such an absence and such a meeting, thanhe turned to Lady Berkley, and said, "Madam, a safe escort to convey youto your husband, waits your commands, at any moment you may choose toleave 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 ofsmoke shot up past the windows on every side, and burning timberssparkled and cracked with increasing and startling rapidity. Baconinstantly understood the cause, and taking Virginia in his arms, andbidding Lady Berkley and Wyanokee, who till now had scarcely beennoticed, to follow, he rushed into the street, and beheld Jamestown inflames. In a short time it was a pile of black and scorched ruins, as ithas stood from that day to the present.