Impressed with a just and ardent zeal for the welfare and happiness of our countrymen, we trust they will, on their part, exert themselves in defence of our common cause, and that we shall all acquit ourselves like freemen, being compelled by a disagreeable, but absolute necessity, of repelling force by force, to maintain our just rights and privileges, and we appeal to God, who is the Sovereign Disposer of all events, for the justice of our cause, trusting to his unerring wisdom to direct our councils, and give success to our arms. owe to society, shall be found in arms, or con- | Dunmore and the most active promoters of all tinue to give assistance to our enemies, we shall his cruel and arbitrary persecutions of the good think ourselves justified, by the necessity we people of this colony, not only by violating the are under, in executing upon them the law of continental association, to which they had retaliation. solemnly subscribed, in many the most flagrant instances; not merely by giving intelligence to our enemies and furnishing them with provisions, but by propagating, as well in Great Britain as in this colony, many of the most mischievous falsehoods, to the great prejudice and dishonor of this country: And moreover, many of these natives of Great Britain, instead of giving their assistance in suppressing insurrections, have contrary to all faith, solemnly plighted in their petition, excited our slaves to rebellion, and some of them have daringly led those slaves in arms against our inhabitants; the committee having these things in full proof, and considering their alarming and dangerous tendency, do give it as their opinion, and it is accordingly resolved, that the former resolution in their favor ought from henceforth to be totally abrogated and rescinded; that none of the freemen, inhabitants of this country, wherever born, ought to exempted from any of the burthens or dangers to which the colony is exposed; but that, as good citizens, it is incumbent on them to use every exertion of their power and abilities in the common defence; and should any persons of ability decline or shrink from so necessary a duty to the com Whereas lord Dunmore, by his proclamation, dated on board the ship William off Norfolk, the 7th day of November, 1775, hath offered freedom to such able bodied slaves as are willing to join him, and take up arms against the good people of this colony, giving thereby encouragement to a general insurrection, which may induce a necessity of inflicting the severest punishments upon those unhappy people already deluded by his base and insidious arts, and whereas, by an act of the general assembly now in force in this colony, it is enacted, that all negro, or other slaves, conspiring to rebel or make insurrection, shall suffer death, and be excluded all benefit of clergy-we think it pro-munity, that all such, except those who have per to declare, that all slaves who have been, or shall be, seduced by his lordship's proclamation, or other arts, to desert their master's service, and take up arms against the inhabitants of this colony, shall be liable to such punishment as shall hereafter be directed by the convention. And to the end that all such, who have taken this unlawful and wicked step, may return in safety to their duty, and escape the punishment due to their crimes, we hereby promise pardon to them, they surrendering themselves to colonel William Woodford or any other commander of our troops, and not appearing in arms after the publication hereof. And we do further earnestly recommend it to all humane and benevolent persons in this colony, to explain and make known this our offer of mercy to those unfortunate people. And whereas, notwithstanding the favorable and kind dispositions shewn by the convention and the natives of this colony, and the extraordinary and unexampled indulgence by them held out to the natives of Great Britain, residing in this colony, (the Scotch who gave themselves this title in their petition) many of these have lately become strict adherents to the lord taken up arms against our inhabitants, or shewn themselves to us, may be permitted, under a license of the committee of safety, to leave the country. OUTRAGES COMMITTED BY BRITISH TROOPS, 1776. One of lord Dunmore's tenders went to a place called Mulberry - island, in Warwick county, and landed her men, who went to Mr. Benjamin Wells's house, with their faces blacked like negroes, whose companions they are, and robbed the house of all the furniture, four negroes, a watch, and stock-buckle. The inhuman wretches even took the bed on which lay two sick infants. OATH EXTORTED FROM THE PEOPLE OF NORFOLK AND PRINCESs Anne, by lord Dunmore, 1776. "We the inhabitants of being fully sen sible of the errors and guilt into which this | captivated, compelled to join in the murder and colony hath been misled, under color of seeking plunder of their relations and countrymen, and redress of grievances, and that a set of factious all former rapine and oppression of Americans men styling themselves committees, conven- declared legal and just. Fleets and armies tions, and congresses, have violently, and under are raised, and the aid of foreign troops envarious pretences, usurped the legislative and gaged to assist these destructive purposes. executive powers of government, and are there- The king's representative in this colony hath by endeavoring to overturn our most happy not only withheld all the powers of governconstitution, and have incurred the guilt of ment from operating for our safety, but, having actual rebellion against our most gracious sov- retired on board an armed ship, is carrying on ereign: We have therefore taken an oath ab- a practical and savage war against us, temptjuring their authority, and solemnly promising ing our slaves, by every artifice, to resort to in the presence of Almighty God, to bear faith him, and training and employing them against and true allegiance to his sacred majesty their masters. In this state of extreme danGeorge the third; and that we will, to the ut- ger, we have no alternative left but an abject most of our power and ability, support, main- submission to the will of those over-bearing tytain, and defend his crown and dignity, against rants, or a total separation from the crown and all traitorous attempts and conspiracies what- government of Great Britain, uniting and exsoever. And whereas armed bodies of men | erting the strength of all America for defence, are collected in various parts of this colony, and forming alliances with foreign powers for without any legal authority, we wish them to commerce and aid in war. Wherefore, appealbe informed, that however unwilling we should ing to the Searcher of hearts for the sincerity be to shed the blood of our countrymen, we of former declarations, expressing our desire to must, in discharge of our duty to God and the preserve the connection with that nation, and king, and in support of the constitution and that we are driven from that inclination by laws of our country, oppose their marching into their wicked councils, and the eternal laws of this county, where their coming can answer no self-preservation: good end, but, on the contrary, must expose us to the ravages and horrors of a civil war; and for that purpose, we are determined to take advantage of our happy situation, and will defend the passes into our country, and neighborhood to the last drop of our blood." INSTRUCTIONS OF THE VIRGINIA CONVENTION TO THEIR In the Virginia Convention-present 112 members. WILLIAMSBURG, Wednesday, May 15, 1776. Forasmuch as all the endeavors of the UNITED COLONIES, by the most decent representations and petitions to the king and parliament of Great Britain, to restore peace and security to America under the British government, and a re-union with that people upon just and liberal terms, instead of a redress of grievances, have produced, from an imperious and vindictive administration, increased insult, oppression, and a vigorous attempt to effect our total destruction. By a late act, all these colonies are declared to be in rebellion, and out of the protection of the British crown, our properties subject to confiscation, our people, when Resolved, unan. That the delegates appointed to represent this colony in general congress be instructed to propose to that respectable body to declare the United Colonies free and independent states, absolved from all allegiance to, or dependence upon, the crown or parliament of Great Britain; and that they give the assent of this colony to such declaration, and to whatever measures may be thought proper and necessary by the congress for forming foreign alliances, and A CONFEDERATION OF THE COLONIES, at such time, and in the manner, as to them shall seem best. Provided, that the power of forming government for, and the regulations of the internal concerns of each colony, be left to the respective colonial legislatures. Resolved, unan. That a committee be appointed to prepare A DECLARATION OF RIGHTS, and such a plan of government as will be most likely to maintain peace and order in this colony, and secure substantial and equal liberty tc the people. EDMUND PENDLETON, President. (A copy) JOHN TAZEWELL, Clerk of the Convention. PATRIOTIC DEMONSTRATIONS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE CONVENTION. UNFURLED. WILLIAMSBURG, May 15, 1776. In consequence of the above resolution, universally regarded as the only door which will lead to safety and prosperity, some gentlemen made a handsome collection for the purpose of treating the soldiery, who next day were paraded in Waller's grove, before brigadier general Lewis, attended by the gentlemen of the committee of safety, the members of the general convention, the inhabitants of this city, etc., etc. The resolution being read aloud to the army, the following toasts were given, each of them accompanied by a discharge of the artillery and small arms, and the acclamations of all present: 1. The American independent states. 2. The grand congress of the United States, and their respective legislatures. 3. General Washington, and victory to the American arms. The UNION FLAG of the American states waved upon the capitol during the whole of this ceremony, which being ended, the soldiers partook of the refreshment prepared for them by the affection of their countrymen, and the evening concluded with illuminations, and other demonstrations of joy; every one seeming pleased that the domination of Great Britain was now at an end, so wickedly and tyrannically exercised for these twelve or thirteen years past, notwithstanding our repeated prayers and remonstrances for redress. TEST OATH have levied against America, and that I will, from time to time, declare and make known all traitorous conspiracies and attempts against the peace and safety of Virginia, which shall come to my knowledge; So help me God." VIRGINIA-CALLED TO ARMS. The following address was issued to the people of Virginia, at the time when the governor, Patrick Henry, issued his proclamation on the 14th of May, 1779, announcing the arrival of a British fleet in the Chesapeake, and noticing some of the ravages they had committed. We Friends and countrymen.-When our country is invaded by the avowed enemies to the common rights of mankind; when it is threatened with all those calamities which barbarity and cruelty can inflict, it is no longer time to pause. We have not an enemy to oppose who can claim the common pretension for war. have to combat those who seek not for a retaliation of injuries done them, but who would be our tyrants. Tyrants of the blackest nature, who would rob us not only of those privileges which are dearest to us, but would bring our grey hairs down with sorrow to the grave. To be the base slaves of arbitrary power, to be insulted, trampled under foot by a soldiery, the outcasts of jails, to be stripped of your property, to behold your wives and children the victims of brutal lust, or nobly to resist the torrent of despotism, nobly to stand forth and to wreak an enemy the most your vengeance upon barbarous and cruel, is the only alternative which now awaits you. They have already commenced the horrid war. Your houses are already devoted to the flames; your wives have been driven with the flocks and herds to their To the Hessian, and the still more ships. PRESCRIBED BY THE COMMITTEE OF VIR- barbarous Highlander, let them now offer up GINIA TO BE TAKEN BY THE INHABITANTS their prayers for mercy. But what mercy are they to hope from those whose avowed design is conquest, ruin, and misery! Indignation usurps the place of reflection. Indignation should hurry us to action, should fire our souls with the noble emulation, who first should have the immortal glory of plunging his dagger in the breast of such an enemy. "I, A. B. in the presence of Almighty God, do solemnly swear, that I will, to the utmost of my power, support, maintain, and defend the government of Virginia, in the present just and necessary war, against all powers whatever, who do, or may levy or carry on any hostility Fortunately for us, we have men to comof war against the same, and that I will not in mand, beloved, respected, and admired for any manner aid, or assist, comfort, countenance, their intrepidity, activity, and good conduct; correspond with or abet any person whatever, men who, if supported by their fellow citizens, whom I know, or have cause to suspect, have will soon baffle the designs of our enemy; will designs to further, aid, or assist the tyrannical soon rescue this country from the disgrace of and cruel war, which the British parliament | being plundered and ravaged by a merciless banditti. Virginia stands foremost for public | particularly relates is the most important in spirit. Her sons have now the most glorious our military annals. It is not recollected that opportunity of gaining immortal fame. They the general orders, issued during the investhave a commander to lead them to the field, ment of Cornwallis, were ever before published. whose experience and bravery will ensure them victory. They may now have the satisfaction not only of saving their country but of revenge -of revenge for attempts, which, if carried into execution, will entail shame and ruin upon us to the latest ages. Activity, vigor, a determination to conquer or to die, will soon expel those invaders of our rights; torpor and inactivity will confirm them in their conquest. Example will create heroes. The body of the people must be put in motion by the influence of those whom they respect and esteem. Follow then the conduct of our brave brethren to the north, remember what gave a favorable cast to the melancholy prospect they had before them. Men of fortune and distinction were the first to oppose the enemy. Success crowned their efforts, and Similar patriotism received eternal honor. example here will ensure similar success. progress of the enemy in our country may carry along with it the most dangerous consequences. What accessions will they not gain from those among us who feel every day the yoke of slavery! We shall supply them with The the certain means of our In a word, the means of our salvation are difficult, but certain and glorious, if we will seize them in time. Delay and inactivity will bring along with them infamy, disgrace, and certain perdition. BATTLE OF YORKTOWN, VA. FROM THE Village record, NOVEMBER 7, 1821. This week the Journal of capt. Davis is JOURNAL OF CAPT. DAVIS. Oct. 12.-A tremendous fire from both sides. B. G. Muhlenburgh. Maj. general Lincoln's division will mount the trenches to-morrow. The effects of the late col. Scammel will be disposed of at public sale, to-morrow at 3 o'clock. P. M. at maj. Rice's tent, in gen. Hayne's Brigade. 15. This night the enemy made a sally and imposed themselves on the French for Americans; forced their works and made themselves masters of an American battery which they spiked. Imposition being found out, they retired, with eight men killed on the spot. Head-quarters, Oct. 15, 1781. M. G. M. La Fayette, B. G. Muhlenburg and Hayne's brigade. Maj. gen. La Fayette's division will mount brought to a close. The event to which it the trenches to-morrow. Head-quarters, Oct. 17, 1781. The commander in chief congratulates the | scene by propositions for deputies from each army on the success of the enterprise against the army, to meet at Moore's house, to agree on two important works on the left of the enemy's terms for the surrender of York and Gloster. lines. He requests the baron Viomnel, who An answer was sent by 3 o'clock, when a cescommanded the French grenadiers and chas- sation of arms took place. seurs, and marquis La Fayette, who commanded the American light infantry, to accept his warmest acknowledgments for the excellency of their dispositions and their own gallant conduct on the occasion; and he begs them to present his thanks to every individual officer, and to the men of their respective commands, for the spirit and rapidity with which they advanced to the attacks assigned them, and for the admirable firmness with which they supported them, under the fire of the enemy, without returning a shot. The general reflects with the highest degree of pleasure on the confidence which the troops of the two nations must hereafter have in each other. Assured of mutual support, he is convinced there is no danger which they will not cheerfully encounter-no difficulty which they will not bravely overcome. The troops will be supplied with fresh beef to Thursday next, inclusive; they will receive 3 pints of salt to every 100 rations, for their allowance of Wednesday and Thursday. 16. Our batteries completing very fast. Head-quarters, Oct. 16, 1781. For to-morrow. M. G. B. Steuben, B. G. Wayne and For the trenches to-morrow. Head-quarters, Oct. 19, 1781. B. M. Blake. Gen. Muhlenburg's brigade will hold itself in readiness for duty to-morrow. 20.-Lay quiet this day cleaning our arms. Head-quarters, Oct. 20, 1781. For to-morrow. M. G. M. La Fayette, Col. Stewart, Maj. Bird, M. M. Cox. Brig. general Hayne's brigade for duty tomorrow, to parade at 10 o'clock on their own Maj. gen. baron Steuben's division will mount parade. in the trenches to-morrow. The commander in chief having observed that the trenches are constantly crowded with spectators, who, by passing and repassing prevent the men from working, and thereby greatly impede the operations of the siege. He therefore orders that no officer, who is not on duty, shall hereafter enter the trenches, except gen. officers and their aids, and that no inhabitant, or person not belonging to the army, be suffered to enter the trenches, at any time, without permission from the maj. general of the trenches. In future the relief for the trenches are not to beat their drums after they pass the mill dam; they are from that place to march silently, with trailed arms and colors furled, until they arrive at their posts in the trenches. The general congratulates the army upon the glorious event of yesterday: the generous proofs which his most Christian majesty has given of his attachment to the cause of America, must force conviction in the minds of the most deceived among the enemy, relative to the decisive good consequences of the alliance: and inspire every citizen of these states with sentiments of the most unalterable gratitude. His fleet, the most numerous and powerful that ever appeared in those seas, commanded by an admiral whose fortune and talents insure success; an army of the most admirable composition, both in officers and men, are the pledges of his friendship to the United States, and their co-operation has secured us the present signal success. The general, upon this occasion, entreats his excellency count Rochambeau, to accept his most grateful acknowledgments for his counsel and assistance at all times. He presents his warmest thanks to the generals baron de Vi17. At 11 o'clock, his lordship closes the omnel, chevalier Chastelleux, marquis de St. Lieut. col. Dehart being relieved from his arrest, the court martial, of which col. Cortland is president, will proceed to the trial of the prisoners confined in the provost. |