Part 7 (1/2)

12. The rivers were full of fish every spring, and with little trouble large supplies were caught in the nets and weirs. Indian corn, tobacco and lumber were sent in vessels to New England and the West Indies. In return sugar, coffee and rum were brought to Albemarle, and an active trade grew up, which was almost wholly conducted by the New England vessels.

13. These vessels all pa.s.sed through the inlet at Nag's Head, where, as late as 1729, twenty-five feet of water was found upon the bar. This afforded entrance to s.h.i.+ps of considerable size. Cape Hatteras was then, as now, a place of great peril to s.h.i.+ps, and many were wrecked upon the terrible outlying sand bars; but this did not deter the brave mariners from the trade which they found was growing each year more profitable.

QUESTIONS.

1. What was the character of King Charles II. ? What was said of him by Lord Rochester?

2. Who was appointed the first Governor of Albemarle? What kind of man was he?

3. How long did Governor Drummond stay in North Carolina? Can you tell something of ”Bacon's Rebellion”? What part did Governor Drummond take, and what was the result? What can you tell of Mrs. Sarah Drummond?

4. What further is said of Mrs. Drummond? How is Governor Drummond's name commemorated in the State? Point out this lake.

5. What additional piece of land was given to the Lords Proprietors in 1665?

6. What expedition came to Carolina in 1663?

7. What is said of Sir John Yeamans?

8. What was the object of Yeamans' visit? What colony did he form in 1665?

Where was it located? What is the history of this colony?

9. What previous settlement had been made in this same vicinity? Why was it deserted?

10. How had the people of Albemarle been pleased with the administration. of Governor Drummond?

11. Who was George Durant? Point out ”Durant's Neck ”on the map.

12. Give some account of the prosperity of Albemarle. What vessels conducted the trade?

13. Through what inlet did vessels enter the sound? Describe the neighborhood of Cape Hatteras.

CHAPTER XII.

GOVERNOR STEPHENS AND THE FUNDAMENTAL CONSt.i.tUTIONS.

A. D. 1667 TO 1674.

After Sir William Berkeley had put Governor Drummond to death in the manner described, Governor Stephens was sent in 1667 to take his place. Stephens was a ruler of ordinary abilities, and probably did his best for the interests of the province, so far as was consistent with a keen regard for instructions from the Lords Proprietors.

1668.

2. The government, in his day, consisted of the Governor, his council of twelve, and twelve members of the House of a.s.sembly, elected by the freeholders. Every white man having an estate of inheritance, or for life, in fifty acres of land, was a freeholder.

Perfect religious liberty was allowed, and there was no check at that day upon the government, provided it preserved its fealty to the King and the Lords Proprietors.

3. A wide margin was left to the Grand a.s.sembly of Albemarle for the display of its power. Neither the Legislature nor the Governor had any capital city for the transaction of business.

The Governor lived on any farm he pleased, and the General a.s.sembly met at such place as it deemed most convenient.