a believer in the truths of Christianity, and was baptized under the name of Rebecca, to which the English prefixed Lady. She was taken to England, introduced to the royal family, and, for some time, became the object of universal attention. In 1716, she went to embark at Gravesend; but she was never again to behold her native shore. Sudden illness carried her off in a few days. She left a son in the colony, whose offspring is now numerous, and the descent from whom is the boast of many Virginia families. It is worthy of note, however, that, notwithstanding the popularity of this marriage, and the scarcity of females in the settlement, Rolfe's example was never followed.

Gates and Dale abolished the system of community labour, and gave to each family a piece of ground for its own cultivation. This revived industry, and every thing began to assume a new aspect. They soon discovered tobacco; and, in one year, this apparently nauseous weed did more to enrich the company and the colony itself, than did all the fancied mines of gold and marts of commerce. during the whole period that Virginia was a colony.

N 1616, Sir T. Dale died, and was succeeded by Sir George Yeardley, as deputy. Lord Delaware also died, in sailing for Jamestown. The government then devolved upon Argall, a brave and successful naval commander, but of a temper too haughty and overbearing. He became so unpopular that the company were obliged to super

sede him, and the regulation of affairs again devolved on Yeardley. The oppression of Argall led to the petitioning for a new constitution, which, after long delay, the company granted. This instrument was so framed as to secure the colonists in a great measure against any proceeding contrary to their views. The House of Assembly was to consist of the governor, a council appointed by the corporation at home, and two representatives from each borough. As this meeting amounted to twenty-one, while the delegates from eleven boroughs were twenty-two, the company had only to gain one of the latter in order to have the full dictation of every measure. Various other privileges were granted, all securing more or less the rights of the colonists. The consequences were soon apparent.

Their number continually increased, the area of the settlement was extended, and the arrival of a considerable number of females gave a stability, an appearance of home to the town, which it had not yet enjoyed.

During this period of prosperity, a storm was brooding over the colony in a quarter little suspected. We have seen the beneficial effects of Rolfe's marriage, in its reconciliation of the Indians. So perfect had this become, that the two races seemed blended into one, the Indians entering at pleasure into the houses of the planters, borrowing their arms and materials, and frequently residing with them for some days. But, in reality, a fearful change had taken place, and the red men had determined on the utter extinction of the colony. Powhatan was dead; and his son Opecancanough, under apparent friendship, concealed the most deadly hatred. All the causes of this alteration it is impossible to ascertain; but, no doubt, a part was owing to the conduct of the settlers, and the fears excited by their rapid increase.

The Indians appointed a day in which a general massacre of the whites was to be perpetrated. The secret was kept with the profound dissimulation which characterizes savage vengeance; and, several days before, Opecancanough had declared that the heavens

would fall before he would alter his affection for the English. To the last moment, his subjects continued visiting, conversing, and holding the most friendly intercourse with those whom they were about to slay.

One exception to this general hatred saved the colony. A gentleman, named Pace, had an Indian domestic, whom he had not only treated with peculiar kindness, but had converted to the Christian religion. Being told, late at night, to murder his master next day, he rose from his bed and disclosed the plot. Pace immediately arose, procured a boat, and, crossing to Jamestown, revealed the conspiracy. The notice was too short, however, to warn all the remote settlements, and on these the storm fell in full fury. Mingling as usual with the settlers, they succeeded in completely surprising them, and, with the implements of husbandry, struck them dead before they were conscious of danger. The dreadful work continued until three hundred and forty-seven men, women, and children were massacred, and all the colony was filled with alarm. This event, known as the Great Massacre, occurred April 1, 1622. It was followed by a war of extermination against the Indians, which resulted in the extinction or emigration of nearly all the tribes in the vicinity of Jamestown.

In addition to this misfortune, the company were soon called to breast another storm more potent than Indian hatred. This was the king's opposition. Being one of the vainest and most arbitrary sovereigns that ever sat on the English throne, James could not look with apathy upon the increasing prosperity of a company whose views of government and royal prerogative were far more republican than his own. The dispute first commenced about the appointment of officers-James claiming this right for himself. He then attempted to monopolize the tobacco trade. The controversy continued until 1624, when the company was dissolved, and Virginia made a royal government.

HE arbitrary schemes of King James were interrupted by his death, which occurred April 6, 1625. His successor, Charles I., entertained similar ideas regarding his capacity for government, but was more fickle in disposition. Although he did not interfere with the colonial constitution, yet he endeavoured to monopolize the tobacco trade, and

was prevented from doing so only by an earnest remonstrance from the governor, council, and burgesses. On the death of Yeardley, in 1627, West and Pott were successively elected by

council.