the whole lot before they were landed. They were then informed that if they would take the oath of allegiance to the government of Aristopia, and especially an oath never to molest their neighbors by word or deed in the free exercise of their religious faith (for the Scotch of that day were generally furious zealots in religion), they would be allowed their freedom in Aristopia, where in due time they might become citizens; otherwise they would be resold in Virginia. The offer was unanimously accepted, although it was a bitter pill to most of these Covenanters to swear not to do their utmost against "popish dogs" and "recusants," if not against less heinous heretics and "antichrists." But in the course of years the savage zeal of these men abated so much that they were content merely to think evil of their neighbors who were in "spiritual darkness," without saying much or doing anything violent to enlighten them. The families of such of them as had families in Scotland were brought over to Aristopia.
The fleet which brought these Scotch prisoners came over to "reduce" Virginia, which had declared for the King. The work of reduction was very speedily performed. The
