The Virginia Gazette

On Monday the 8th instant the General Convention of Delegates met at the Capitol, when the Hon. Edmund Pendleton, Esq; being elected President, addressed himself to the Convention in the following manner:

Gentlemen,

Be pleased to accept my sincere thanks for the honour done me in your election to this high and important office, which I esteem the more, as it affords a public testimony that my former endeavours for the proper discharge of that trust have not been unacceptable to my country. I beg leave to assure you of my unremitted attention to the assiduous duties of my appointment, which I will endeavour to execute with the utmost impartiality; and, conscious of my want of abilities, I shall rely with confidence on your candour to make the most favourable interpretation of all my actions.

We are now met in General Convention according to the ordinance for our election, at a time truly critical, when subjects of the most important and interesting nature require our serious attention. The administration of justice, and almost all the powers of government, have now been suspended for near two years. It will become us to reflect whether we can longer sustain the great struggle we are making in this situation; and the case of criminals confined and not tried, and others who may be apprehended pursuant to our laws, deserves particular notice.

Our military and naval arrangements, as well as the funds for supporting them, will call for our revision; and the ordinance prescribing a mode of punishment for the enemies of America in this colony being very defective, will require amendment.

There are some articles more immediately necessary for our people, particularly salt, which it may be wise to encourage the production and manufacture of, either by increased bounties, or erecting public works, as shall be judged most effectual to that end.

Several resolutions of Congress, and letters from our delegates on these and other subjects, I am directed by the Committee of Safety to lay before you, together with several petitions they have received, on which it was not within their powers to determine.

In the discussion of these, and all other subjects which may come under our consideration, permit me to recommend calmness, unanimity, and diligence, as the most likely means of bringing them to a happy and prosperous issue.

IN CONVENTION.

PRESENT one Hundred and twelve Members.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1776.

WHEREAS all the endeavours 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 subjected to confiscation, our people, when captivated, compelled to join in the murder and plunder of their relations and countrymen, and all former rapine and oppression of Americans declared legal and just. Fleets and armies are raised, and the aid of foreign troops engaged to assist these destructive purposes: The King's representative in this colony hath not only withheld all the powers of government from operating for our safety, but, having retired on board an armed ship, is carrying on a piratical and savage war against us, tempting our slaves, by every artifice, to resort to him, and training and employing them against their masters. In this state of extreme danger, we have no alternative left but an abject submission to the will of those over-bearing tyrants, or a total Separation from the Crown and Government of Great Britain, uniting and exerting the strength of all America for defence, and forming alliances with foreign powers for commerce and aid in war: Wherefore, appealing to the SEARCHER OF HEARTS for the sincerity of former declarations, expressing our desire to preserve the connection with that nation, and that we are driven from that inclination by their wicked councils, and the eternal laws of self-preservation,

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY, 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 UNANIMOUSLY, 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 to the people.

EDMUND PENDLETON, President.

John Tazewell, Clerk of the Conv.