of the Council of Safety, 1775—76. 437

P. S. Order the Boat which will deliver you this to speak
the Vessels on their Way down the Bay & let them know
when to join you.

[Virginia Convention to Council.]

Virginia May 22^d 1776.
I am honored with the Commands of the General conven-
tion of this colony to transmit you the inclosed resolutions,
which they have thought it indispensably necessary to enter
into at this important crisis; requesting you will communicate
their contents to the convention of your County for their con-
sideration. I have the Hon^rto be Sir Your most obed^t Servant
Edmd Pendleton President

[Resolutions of Virginia Convention.]

Virginia. In Convention Wednesday May 15^th 1776.
Present 112 Members: For as much as 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 reunion with that people upon just and liberal terms,
instead of a redress of Grievances have produced from an
imperious & vindictive administration, increased insult, oppres-
sion, 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, com-
pelled to join in the murder and plunder of their relations and
countrymen, and all former rapine and oppression of Ameri-
cans declared legal and just. Fleets and armies are raised,
and the aid of foreign troops engaged to assist these destruc-
tive purposes. The Kings representative in this colony hath
not only withheld all the powers of Government from oper-
ating 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 overbearing tyrants, or
a total separation from the crown and Government of Great
Britain, uniting & exerting the strength of all America for
Defence, and forming alliances with foreign powers for com-
merce and aid in war, Wherefore, appealing to the searcher
of hearts for the sincerity of former declarations, expressing

C. S. C.