Thus was formed an upper house, self-elected and immortal." [Footnote: Bancroft, vol.i., page 495.] Carolinia was an aristocracy, the instincts of which dreads the moral power of proprietary cultivators of the soil, so enacted their perpetual degradation.

The leet-men, or tenants holding ten acres of land at a fixed rent, were not only destitute of political franchises, but were adscripts to the soil: "Under the jurisdiction of their lord, without appeal," and it was added: "all children of leet-men shall be leet-men, and so to all generations." In 1665, Albemarle had been increased by fresh emigrants from New England and by a colony of ship-builders from the Bermudas, who lived contentedly with Stevens as chief magistrate, under a very wise and simple form of government.

A council of twelve, six named by the proprietaries, and six chosen by the assembly.

An assembly, composed of the governor, the council, and twelve delegates from the freeholders of the incipient settlements, these formed a government which enjoyed popular confidence.

No interference from abroad was anticipated, for freedom of religion, and security against taxation, except by the colonial legislature, were conceded.