Declaration of the People of Virginia

The Declaration of the People of Virginia (or simply Declaration of the People) was a list of complaints issued by Nathaniel Bacon on July 30, 1676, in which he proclaims Virginia's colonial governor, William Berkeley, corrupt and expresses his displeasure at what his followers regarded as unjust taxation and the government's failure to provide colonists protection from some tribes of Native Americans. The presumed grievances brought about the uprising known as Bacon's Rebellion. The Declaration cited eight points in its complaint against the governor:

Nathaniel Bacon continues on to accuse Sir William Berkeley as guilty of going against his Majesty’s interests “we accuse Sir William Berkeley as guilty of each and every one of the same, and as one who has traitorously attempted, violated, and injured his Majesty’s interest here by a loss of a great part of this his colony and many of his faithful loyal subjects”

In addition to the governor, the Declaration listed a number of the governor's associates said to be "his wicked and pernicious councilors, confederates, aiders, and assisters against the commonalty in these our civil commotions."

Names listed: Sir Henry Chichley, William Claiburne Junior, Lieut. Coll. Christopher Wormeley, Thomas Hawkins, William Sherwood, Phillip Ludwell, John Page Clerke, Robert Beverley, John Cluffe Clerke, Richard Lee, John West, Thomas Ballard, Hubert Farrell, William Cole, Thomas Reade, Richard Whitacre, Matthew Kempe, Nicholas Spencer, and Joseph Bridger.

Bacon demands that Sir William Berkeley and all persons listed turn themselves in within four days of this notice. Bacon continues with “whatsoever place, house, or ship, any of the said persons shall reside, be hid, or protected, we declare the owners, masters, or inhabitants of the said places to be confederates and traitors to the people and the estates of them is also of all the aforesaid persons to be confiscated.”

The Declaration was signed "Nathaniel Bacon, General by Consent of the people."

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