amicable proceedings as may become necessary for the settlement, division, or distribution of estates. And, during this suspension of the administration of justice, it is earnestly recommended to the people to observe a peaceable and orderly behaviour; 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 thereof to judicious neighbours, and abide by their determination.

The Convention then took into their consideration, according to the order of yesterday, the plan for embodying, arming, and disciplining the Militia; which, being read, and amended, was unanimously agreed to, as follows:

The Committee propose that it be strongly recommended to the Colony, diligently to put in execution the Militia Law passed in the year 1738, entitled “An Act for the better regulating of the Militia,” which has become in force by the expiration of all subsequent Militia Laws.

The Committee are further of opinion that, as from the expiration of the above-mentioned latter laws, and various other causes, the legal and necessary disciplining the Militia has been much neglected, and a proper provision of Arms and Ammunition has not been made, to the evident danger of the community in case of invasion or insurrection, it be recommended to the inhabitants of the several Counties of this Colony that they form one or more volunteer Companies of Infantry and Troops of Horse, in each County, and to be in constant training and readiness to act on any emergency.

That it be recommended, particularly to the Counties of Brunswick, Dinwiddie, Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, Spottsylvania, King George, and Stafford, and to all Counties below these, that out of such, their volunteers, they form each of them one or more Troops of Horse; and to all the Counties above these, it is recommended that they pay a more particular attention to the forming a good Infantry.

That each Company of Infantry consist of sixty-eight rank and file, to be commanded by one Captain, two Lieutenants, one Ensign, four Sergeants, and four Corporals; and that they have a Drummer, and be furnished with a Drum and Colours; that every man be provided with a good Rifle, if to be had, or otherwise with a common Firelock, Bayonet, and Cartouch-box, and also with a Tomahawk, one pound of Gunpowder, and four pounds of Ball, at least, fitted to the bore of his Gun; that he be clothed in a Hunting Shirt, by way of uniform; and that all endeavour, as soon as possible, to become acquainted with the military exercise for Infantry, appointed to be used by His Majesty in the year 1764.

That each Troop of Horse consist of thirty, exclusive of Officers; that every Horseman be provided with a good Horse, Bridle, Saddle, with Pistols and Holsters, a Carbine, or other short Firelock, with a Bucket, a Cutting Sword, or Tomahawk, one pound of Gunpowder, and four pounds of Ball, at the least, and use the utmost diligence in training and accustoming his Horse to stand the discharge of fire-arms, and in making himself acquainted with the military exercise for Cavalry.

That, in order to make a further and more ample provision of Ammunition, it be recommended to the Committees of the several Counties, that they collect from their Constituents, in such manner as shall be most agreeable to them, so much money as will be sufficient to purchase half a pound of Gunpowder, one pound of Lead, necessary Flints and Cartridge Paper, for every tithable person in their County; that they immediately take effectual measures for the procuring such Gunpowder, Lead, Flints, and Cartridge Paper, and dispose thereof, when procured, in such place or places of safety as they may think best: and it is earnestly recommended to each individual to pay such proportion of the money necessary for these purposes as by the respective Committees shall be judged requisite.

That as it may happen that some Counties, from their situation, may not be apprized of the most certain and speedy method of procuring the articles before-mentioned, one General Committee should be appointed, whose business it should be to procure, for such Counties as may make application to them, such articles, and so much thereof as the moneys wherewith they shall furnish the said Committee will purchase, after deducting the charges of transportation, and other necessary expenses.

Resolved, That Robert Carter Nicholas, Thomas Nelson, and Thomas Whiting, Esquires, or any two of them, be a Committee for the purpose afore-mentioned.

Resolved unanimously, That the most cordial thanks of the people of this Colony are a tribute justly due to our worthy Governour, Lord Dunmore, for his truly noble, wise, and spirited conduct on the late expedition against our Indian enemy; a conduct which at once evinces his Excellency’s attention to the true interests of this Colony, and a zeal in the Executive Department which no dangers can divert or difficulties hinder from achieving the most important services to the people who have the happiness to live under his administration.

Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of this Convention be presented to the gentlemen Officers and Soldiers who lately so nobly defended this Colony from the savage enemy on our frontiers, and by their bravery, not only procured success to our arms, but must have convinced the enemy it will be their true interest to preserve the peace on the terms stipulated by his Excellency Lord Dunmore; that we sincerely condole with the relations and acquaintance of those brave men who so nobly fell in battle on that mournful event, and assure all who have rendered such important services to this Colony that, so soon as opportunity permits, we will most cheerfully do every thing on our part to make them ample satisfaction.

Resolved, That Robert Carter Nicholas, Richard Bland, James Mercer, Edmund Pendleton, Archibald Cary, Charles Carter of Stafford, Benjamin Harrison, Richard Henry Lee, Josias Clapham, George Washington, Patrick Henry, James Holt, and Thomas Newton, Esquires, be a Committee to prepare a plan for the encouragement of Arts and Manufactures in this Colony.

The Convention then proceeded to the election of Delegates by ballot, to represent this Colony in General Congress, to be held at the City of Philadelphia, on the 10th day of May next; when the Honourable Peyton Randolph, Esquire, George Washington, Patrick Henry, Richard Henry Lee, Edmund Pendleton, Benjamin Harrison, and Richard Bland, Esquires, were chosen for that purpose.

Resolved, That Robert Carter Nicholas, Esquire, be desired to lay before the Convention, on Monday next, an account of the Money received from the several Counties and Corporations in this Colony, for the use of the Delegates sent to represent this Colony in General Congress.

Adjourned till Monday, 10 o’clock.

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 to.

Whereas, it hath been judged necessary for the preservation of the just rights and liberties of America, firmly to associate against Importations; 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