The argument between Nathaniel Bacon and William Berkeley has been studied over the years and historians have many different viewpoints on the situation. It would seem that even though both men had their own character flaws and blind spots, Bacon actions reflected his desires for power and opportunity. While some of the accusations against Berkeley had truth behind them, the way Bacon went about trying to change these problems bordered on insanity.
Bacon had it out for Berkeley from the beginning. He hated Berkeley and wanted him sent back to England. Bacon accused Berkeley of unreasonably high taxes that seemed to have no effect on their economy, for hand picking personal friends in his court, for monopolizing the fur trade, and for not protecting the people from indian attacks. Berkeley had refused to retaliate against the Indians leaving Bacon furious. Berkeley's response to Bacon's claims against him were very diplomatic and professional, unlike Bacon's rash behavior. Berkeley pointed out the fact he had governed the people as best he could and had been a favorite among many of the people of Jamestown for 34 years. The people of Jamestown knew the governor well and that he had been above reproach. Bacon had just recently come out of the woodwork in a short two years and was already conspiring against Berkeley. The governor stated that he did want to protect the people from indian attacks and was on board with going after indians that were proving themselves to be enemies, but he was not willing to attack indians that had been friendly or had caused no harm. Even after saying all this, Berkeley still took a humble approach and laid out the fact that he was human and fallible and would repent of any sin he had done against anyone. In his attempt to keep peace, he pardoned the arrogance and disloyalty Bacon exhibited three different times, but Bacon wanted none of it, and instead lashed out in leading a group of men to attack neighboring indians.
