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In July, 1676, Governor Berkeley, of Virginia, had become exceedingly unpopular because of his inefficiency in protecting the settlers from Indian ravages, his tendency to restrict the franchise and institute high tax rates. The people therefore, led by Nathaniel Bacon, a popular lawyer, took up arms, ostensibly against the Indians, but in reality in order to resist the Governor and bring him to terms. Berkeley was compelled to make concessions, dismantle the forts, dissolve the old assembly and issue writs for a new election. But he did not keep faith with the insurgents. Consequently a desultory war broke out in the course of which Jamestown, then the capital of the colony, was burned. Berkeley was forced to take refuge on some English vessels. Bacon died in 1677 and the Rebellion ended for want of a leader.