CHAPTER V — SOUTHERN COLONIES
33. Andros's and Nicholson's Administrations (1690-1705)
Beverly was a Virginian of wealth and high social position. His history of Virginia is of great value, though not impartial. He had a private grudge against Nicholson. —Bibliography: Tyler, American Literature, II, 264-267; Winsor, Narrative and Critical History, V, 278-284; Channing and Hart, Guide, § 99. — For previous history of Virginia, see Contemporaries, I, ch. x.
§. 132. ANNO 1690. Francis Nicholson, Esq ; being appointed Lieutenant-Governor under the Lord Effingham, arrived there. This Gentleman discoursed freely of Country Improvements, instituted public Exercises, and gave Prizes to all those, that should excel in the Exercises of Riding, Running, Shooting, Wrestling, and Cudgeling. When the Design of a College was communicated to him, he promised it all imaginable Encouragement. . . .
§. [1]34. Anno 1691, an Assembly being called . . .
The Assembly was so fond of Governor Nicholson at that Time, that they presented him with the Sum of three hundred Pounds, as a Testi mony of their good Disposition towards him. But he having an Instruction to receive no Present from the Country, they drew up an Address to their Majesties, praying that he might have leave to accept it, which was granted, and he gave one half thereof to the College.
§. 137. Their Majesties were well pleased with that pious Design of the Plantation, and granted a Charter, according to the Desire of Mr. Blair, their Agent. . . .
It was a great Satisfaction to the Archbishops and Bishops to see such a Nursery of Religion founded in that new World ; especially for that it was begun in an Episcopal Way, and carried on wholly by zealous Conformists to the Church of England.
§. 138. In this first Assembly, Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson pass'd Acts for Encouragement of the Linen Manufacture, and to promote the
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