boldest note of exclamation,) "Give me libERTY OR GIVE me death." "Imagine to yourselves," says my corre- the price of chains and slavery!!! Forbid it, spondent,* "this sentence, delivered with all Almighty God! I know not what course the calm dignity of Cato, of Utica -imagine | others may take; but, as for me" (cried he, to yourself the Roman senate, assembled in the with both arms extended aloft, his brows knit, capitol, when it was entered by the profane every feature marked with the resolute purGauls, who, at first, were awed by their pres-pose of his soul, and his voice swelled to its ence, as if they had entered an assembly of the Gods-imagine that you heard that Cato addressing such a senate-imagine that you saw the handwriting on the wall of Belshazzar's palace-imagine you had heard a voice, as from Heaven, uttering the words "We must fight," as the doom of fate, and you may have some idea of the speaker, the assembly to whom he addressed himself, and the auditory, of which I was one. He took his seat. No murmur of applause was heard; the effect was too deep. After the trance of a moment, several members were seen to start from their seats. The cry "to arms," seemed to quiver on every lip, and gleam from every eye! Richard H. Lee arose and supported Mr. Henry, but even his melody was lost amidst the agitation of that ocean, which the master spirit of the storm had lifted on high. That supernatural voice still sounded in their ears, and shivered along their arteries. They heard in every pause the cry of liberty or death. They became impatient of speech. Their souls were on fire for action. The measure was adopted; and Patrick Henry, Richard H. Lee, Robert C. Nicholas, Benjamin Harrison, Lemuel Riddick, George Washington, Adam Stevens, Andrew Lewis, William Christian, Edmund Pendleton, Thomas Jefferson, and Isaac Zane, esquires, were appointed a committee to prepare the plan called for by the last resolution. RESOLUTIONS "They tell us, sir," continued Mr. Henry, "that we are weak-unable to cope with so formidable an adversary.—But when shall we be stronger?-Will it be the next week or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance, by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak, if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power.-Three millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are OF THE CONVENTION, RECOMMENDING the invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God, who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat, but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged: their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable; and let it come!! I repeat it, sirLET IT COME!!!" "It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter: Gentlemen may cry, "peace peace;" but there is no peace; the war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms? Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle?—What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at * Judge Tucker. STAY OF PROCEEDINGS IN CIVIL SUITS. SATURDAY, March 25, 1775. Resolved, as the opinion of this convention, that on account of the unhappy disputes between Great Britain and the colonies, and the unsettled state of this country, the lawyers, suitors, and witnesses, ought not to attend the prosecution or defence of civil suits at the nexꞌ general court: and it is recommended to the several courts of justice, not to proceed to the hearing or determination of suits on their dockets, except attachments; nor to give judgment, but in the case of sheriffs, or other collectors of money or tobacco received by them, in other cases where such judgment shall be voluntarily confessed, or upon such amicable proceedings as may become necessary for the settlement, division, or distribution of estates: and, during the suspension of the administration of justice, it is earnestly recommended to the people, to observe a peaceable and orderly behavior; to all creditors to be as indulgent to their debtors as may be; and to all debtors to pay as far as they are able; and where differences may arise, which cannot be adjusted between the parties, that they refer the decision | and cotton, sufficient not only for the use of his thereof to judicious neighbors, and abide by or her own family, but also to spare to others their determination. RESOLUTIONS FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF HOME MANUFACTURES. MONDAY, March 27, 1775. The committee appointed to prepare a plan for the encouragement of arts and manufactures, reported the following resolutions, which being severally read, were unanimously agreed on. Whereas, it hath been judged necessary, for the preservation of the just rights and liberties of America, firmly to associate against importation; and, as the freedom, happiness, and prosperity of a state greatly depend on providing within itself, a supply of articles necessary for subsistence, clothing, and defence; and whereas, it is judged essential, at this critical juncture, to form a proper plan for employing the different inhabitants of this colony, providing for the poor, and restraining vagrants and other disorderly persons, who are nuisances to every society, a regard for our country, as well as common prudence, call upon us to encourage agriculture, manufactures, economy, and the utmost industry; therefore, this convention doth resolve as follows: Resolved unanimously-That it be earnestly recommended to the different magistrates, vestries, and churchwardens, throughout this colony, that they pay a proper attention and strict regard to the several acts of assembly, made for the restraint of vagrants, and the better employing and maintaining the poor. Resolved unanimously-That from and after the first day of May next, no person or persons whatever, ought to use, in his or their families, unless in case of necessity, and on no account, sell to butchers, or kill for market, any sheep under four years old; and where there is a necessity for using any mutton, in his, her, or their families, it is recommended to kill such only as are least profitable to be kept. Resolved unanimously-That the setting up and promoting woolen, cotton, and linen manufactures, ought to be encouraged in as many different branches as possible, especially coating, flannel, blankets, rugs, or overlids, hosiery, and coarse cloths, both broad and narrow. Resolved unanimously-That all persons, having proper lands for the purpose, ought to cultivate and raise a quantity of flax, hemp, on moderate terms. Resolved unanimously-As salt is a daily and indispensable necessary of life, and the making of it among ourselves must be deemed a valuable acquisition, it is therefore recommended, that the utmost endeavors be used to establish salt works, and that proper encouragement be given to Mr. James Tait, who hath made proposals, and offered a scheme to the public, for so desirable a purpose. Resolved unanimously-That saltpetre and sulphur, being articles of great and necessary use, the making, collecting, and refining them to the utmost extent, be recommended, the convention being of opinion that it may be done to great advantage. Resolved unanimously-That the making of gunpowder be recommended. Resolved unanimously-That the manufacturing of iron into nails and wire, and other necessary articles, be recommended. Resolved unanimously-That the making of steel ought to be largely encouraged, as there will be a great demand for this article. Resolved unanimously-That the making of different kinds of paper ought to be encouraged; and as the success of this branch depends on a supply of old linen and woolen rags, the inhabitants of this colony are desired, in their respective families, to preserve these articles. Resolved unanimously-That, whereas, wool combs, cotton and wool cards, hemp and flax heckels, have been for some time made to advantage, in some of the neighboring colonies, and are necessary for carrying on linen and woollen manufactures, the establishing such manufactures be recommended. Resolved unanimously—That the erecting fulling mills, and mills for breaking, swingling, and softening hemp and flax, and also that the making grindstones be recommended. Resolved unanimously-That the brewing malt liquors in this colony, would tend to render the consumption of foreign liquors less necessary, it is therefore recommended, that proper attention be given to the cultivation of hops and barley. Resolved unanimously-That it be recommended to all the inhabitants of this colony, that they use as the convention engageth to do, our own manufactures, and those of other colonies, in preference to all others. Resolved unanimously-That for the more speedily and effectually carrying these resolutions into execution, it be earnestly recommended, that societies be formed in different parts of this colony; and it is the opinion of this convention, that proper premiums ought to be offered in the several counties and corporations, to such persons as shall excel in the several branches of manufactures; and it is recommended to the several committees of the different counties and corporations, to promote and encourage the same, to the utmost of their power. PATRIOTIC ACTION | and the most oppressive and tyrannical system of government, must be the fatal line of conduct to all his majesty's present servants in America; at the same time justly dreading the horrors of a civil war, influenced by motives of the strongest affection to our fellow subjects of Great Britain, most ardently wishing to heal our mutual wounds, and therefore preferring peaceable measures, whilst the least hope of reconciliation remains, do advise that the several companies now rendezvoused here do return to their respective homes. But considering the just rights and liberty of America OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF FREDERICKS- to be greatly endangered by the violent and BURG, VA. FREDERICKSBURg, Committee CHAMBER, Saturday April 29, 1775 At a council of 102 members, delegates of the provincial convention, officers and special deputies of 14 companies of light horse, consisting of upwards of 600 well armed and disciplined men, friends of constitutional liberty and America, now rendezvoused here in consequence of an alarm occasioned by the powder being removed from the county magazine, in the city of Williamsburg, in the night of Thursday the 21st inst. and deposited on board an armed schooner by order of his excellency the governor. hostile proceedings of an arbitrary ministry, and being firmly resolved to resist such attempts at the utmost hazard of our lives and fortunes, do now pledge ourselves to each other to be in readiness, at a moment's warning, to re-assemble, and, by force of arms, to defend the laws, the liberty and rights of this, or any sister colony, from unjust and wicked invasion. Ordered, that expresses be despatched to the troops assembled at the Bowling-Green, and also to the companies from Frederick, Berkely, Dunmore, and such other counties as are now on their march, to return them thanks for their cheerful offers of service, and to acquaint them with the determination now taken. GOD SAVE THE LIBERTIES OF AMERICA. The foregoing determination of council, having been read at the head of each company, was cordially and unanimously approved. IMPORTANT LETTERS FROM THOMAS JEFFERSON, RELATING TO The council having before them the several matters of intelligence respecting this transaction, and particularly a letter from the hon. Peyton Randolph, esq., speaker of the late house of burgesses of Virginia, received here last night by an express despatched to Williamsburg, for the purpose of gaining intelligence, informing that the gentlemen of the city of Williamsburg and neighborhood, have had full assurances from his excellency that this affair shall be accommodated, and advising that the gentlemen assembled here should proceed no further at this time-this council came to the following determination, and offer the same as their advice to those public spirited gentlemen, friends to British liberty and America, who have honored them by this appointment. Highly condemning the conducting to prove that the American declaration of of the governor, on this occasion, as impolitic, and justly alarming to the good people of this colony, tending to destroy all confidence in government, and to widen the unhappy breach between Great Britain and her colonies, illtimed and totally unnecessary, consider this instance as a full proof that no opinion which may be formed of the good intentions of a governor in private life, can afford security to our injured and oppressed country; but that obedience to arbitrary, ministerial mandate, FROM THE RICHMOND COMPILER OF APRIL 6, 1816. The following are extracts from letters tend independence was the effect of ministerial oppression and not the result of a pre-concerted plan.-Though intended for the bosom of private friendship, those letters may legitimately be considered as conveying the sentiments of the whole American people at that time. They evince the reluctance with which a separation from Great Britain was contemplated; and do away the idea held out by some English writers, that “independence had long been meditated by the leading characters in the FORMERLY ATTORNEY GENERAL. colonies, and that they availed themselves of | THOMAS JEFFERSON TO JOHN RANDOLPH, the obnoxious acts of the British government for its assertion." THOMAS JEFFERSON TO DR. Small. August 25, 1775. I am sorry the situation of our country should render it not eligible to you to remain longer in it. I hope the returning wisdom of Great Britain will ere long put an end to the unnatural contest. There may be people to Thomas Jefferson, in a letter to Dr. Wm. Small, formerly one of the professors of Wil-whose tempers and dispositions contention liam and Mary, but then at Birmingham, in England, where he successfully applied his extensive scientific knowledge to practical improvements, in various manufactures, etc., dated May 7th, 1775, writes as follows: may be pleasing, and who may therefore wish a continuance of confusion; but to me, it is of all states but one, the most horrid. My first wish is a restoration of our just rights; my second a return of the happy period when, consistently with duty, I may withdraw myself totally from the public eye, and pass the rest of my days in domestic ease and tranquility, banishing every desire of afterwards even hearing what passes in the world. Perhaps, ardor for the latter adds considerably to the warmth of the former wish. Looking with fondness towards a reconciliation with Great Britain, I cannot help hoping you may be able to contribute towards expediting this good work. I think it must be evident to yourself that the ministry have been deceived by their officers on this side of the water, who (for what purposes I cannot tell) have constantly represented the American opposition as that of a small faction, in which the body of the people took little part. This you can inform them, of your own knowledge, to be untrue. They have taken it into their heads, too, that we are cowards, and shall surrender at discretion to an armed force. The past and Within this week, we have received the unhappy news of an action of considerable magnitude between the king's troops and our brethren of Boston, in which it is said 500 of the former, with the earl of Percy, were slain. That such an action has happened is undoubted, though, perhaps, the circumstances may not yet have reached us with truth. This accident has cut off our last hopes of reconciliation, and a frenzy of revenge seems to have seized all ranks of people.-It is a lamentable circumstance that the only mediatory power acknowledged by both parties, instead of leading to a reconciliation this divided people, should pursue the incendiary purpose of still blowing up the flames, as we find him constantly doing in every speech, and public declaration. This may, perhaps, be intended to intimidate into an acquiescence, but the effect has been most unfortunately otherwise. A little knowledge of human nature, and attention to its ordinary workings, might have fore-future operations of the war must confirm or seen that the spirits of the people were in a state, in which they were more likely to be provoked than frightened by haughty deportment; and to fill up the measure of irritation, proscription of individuals has been substituted in room of a just trial. Can it be believed that a grateful people will suffer those to be consigned to execution whose sole crime has been developing and asserting their right? Had the parliament possessed the liberty of reflec-gress of 1774 did not mean to insist rigorously tion, they would have avoided a measure as impotent as it was inflammatory. When I saw lord Chatham's bill, I entertained high hopes that a reconciliation could have been brought about. The difference between his terms, and those offered by our congress, might have been accommodated, if entered on by both parties with a disposition to accommodate; but the dignity of parliament, it seems, can brook no opposition to its power. Strange, that a set of men who have made sale of their virtue to the minister, should yet talk of retaining dignity!" undeceive them on that head. I wish they were thoroughly and minutely acquainted with every circumstance relative to America, as it exists in truth. I am persuaded they would go far towards disposing them to reconciliation. Even those in parliament who are called friends to America, seem to know nothing of our real determinations. I observe they pronounced in the last parliament that the con on the terms they held out, but kept something We, the mayor, aldermen, and common council of the said city, being desirous to maintain peace, order and good government, do hereby declare our abhorrence of such unlawful proceeding, and do hereby require the inhabitants to use their utmost endeavors to prevent the like outrage in future, and exhort all persons who may be in possession of any of the said arms, to return the same immediately, to be replaced in the magazine. generosity to render these, at some future | into the public magazine, and taken from time, as easy to America as the interests of thence sundry fire-arms belonging to his Great Britain could admit. I wish no false majesty: sense of honor, no ignorance of our real intentions, no vain hope that partial concessions of right will be accepted, may induce the ministry to trifle with accommodation till it shall be put even out of our own power to accommodate. If, indeed, Great Britain, disjoined from her colonies be a match for the most potent nations of Europe, with the colonies thrown into their scale, they may go on securely; but if they are not assured of this, it would be certainly unwise, by trying the event of another campaign, to risk our accepting a foreign aid, which, perhaps, may not be unattainable but on a condition of everlasting avulsion from Great Britain. This would be thought a hard condition to those who wish for re-union with the parent country. I am sincerely one of those, and would rather be in dependence on Great Britain, properly limited, than on any nation upon earth, or than on no nation; but I am one of those too, who rather than submit to the right of legislating for us, assumed by the British parliament, and which late experience has shown they will so cruelly exercise, would lend my hand to sink the whole island in the ocean. And it having been recommended to this meeting by the governor and council, to appoint a guard to protect the said magazine, they are of opinion that they have no authority to lay any tax for that purpose, but that if some trusty person should be appointed, by his excellency the governor, to be keeper thereof, and care taken to strengthen it with proper bars, there probably would be a stop put to violences of that nature, and they do humbly recommend to his excellency, Mr. Gabriel Maupin, who lives near the magazine, as a person worthy of that trust. (A copy) MAT. DAVENPORT, town clerk. ACTION OF COMMON COUNCIL OF WILLIAMSBURG, At a court of common council for the city of This is understood to have alluded to a bill, passed by the house of lords at their preceding session, excepting from the benefit of any general pardon which might be offered, certain individuals by name. Mr. Montague, then agent for the house of burgesses of Virginia (which place was procured for him by the interest of Peyton Randolph, speaker of the house, and his early and intimate friend) extracted the substance of the bill, and the names excepted, and enclosed the extract to Peyton Randolph. Among the persons excepted were Hancock and one or both Adamses, as notorious leaders of the opposi tion in Massachusetts, Patrick Henry, as the same in PROCEEDINGS IN HANOVER COUNTY, RELATIVE TO HOS- TROOPS. At a committee appointed and held for Hanover county, at the court house, on Thursday the 9th of May, 1775-present, John Syme, Samuel Overton, William Craghead, Meriweather Skelton, Richard Morris, Benjamin Anderson, John Pendleton, John Robinson, Nelson Berkely, and George Dabney, jun. Agreeably to a resolution of the committee held at Newcastle the 2d inst. setting forth, that they being fully informed of the violent hostilities committed by the king's troops in America, and of the danger arising to the colony by the loss of the public powder, and of the conduct of the governor, which threatens, altogether, calamities of the greatest magnitude and most fatal consequences to this colony, and therefore recommending reprisals to be made upon the king's property, sufficient to replace the gun-powder taken out of the maga Virginia, Peyton Randolph, as president of the general congress at Philadelphia, and Thomas Jefferson, as author of a proposition to the convention of Virginia for an address to the king, in which was maintained that there was in right no link of union between England and the colo-zine, it appears to this committee, that the nies but that of the same king, and that neither the parliament, nor any other functionary of that government, had any more right to exercise authority over the colonies, than over the electorate of Hanover, &c. volunteers who marched from Newcastle, to obtain satisfaction for the public powder, by reprisal or otherwise, proceeded on that busi |