which was read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

Mr. Cary, from the Committee appointed, presented to the Convention, according to order, "An Ordinance for establishing a mode of making Tobacco payments during the discontinuance of the Tobacco law;" which was read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

A Petition of John Willoughby, of the County of Norfolk, was presented to the Convention and read, setting forth that he had been directed by Colonel Woodford to appear before this Convention, for an inquiry into his conduct during the unhappy disturbances which have lately prevailed in the Borough of Norfolk; that he understands very unfavourable and injurious reports have prevailed against him, representing him as inimical to the interests of his country, of which he hopes honourably to acquit himself, when the Convention shall be pleased to grant him a hearing.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Committee to whom the Petition of Archibald Campbell is referred, and they are to report the same, together with their opinion thereupon, to the Convention.

Ordered, That Mr. Jones, Mr. Banister, Mr. Henry Lee, Mr. Smith, Mr. Robert Wormcley Carter, Mr. Blackburn, Mr. Edmondson, Mr. Carter of Lancaster, Mr. John Walker, and Mr. Thornton, be added to the said Committee, and that any seven of the said Committee be a sufficient number to proceed to business.

Mr. Mercer, from the Committee appointed, presented, according to order, "An Ordinance for amending an Ordinance entitled 'An Ordinance for providing Arms and Ammunition for the use of this Colony;'" which was read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

A Petition of Archibald Govan was presented to the Convention and read, setting forth that he loaded and cleared out the Sloop Christian and cargo agreeably to the terms of the Association; that she has been prevented proceeding on her voyage by being brought into Hampton by the soldiery stationed there; and as there is no market in this country, at present, but for the Army, he would be glad the cargo, amounting to near two thousand five hundred bushels of wheat, might be taken for the use of the troops, at such a price as shall be thought reasonable; that he has been told this House are in want of some vessels for the service of the country, for which purpose he begs leave to offer his sloop, which is a well-found vessel and fast sailer, and little more than three years old; that, from the candour and justice of this Convention, he hopes, as he has not in any instance infringed the Association, and as the letters wrote by himself, and found on board the said sloop, were fraught with sentiments friendly to this country, no degree of guilt will be imputed to him on account of the many unfriendly letters found in the said vessel.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Committee on the state of the Colony.

A Letter from Col. Henry, of the First Regiment, was read, and ordered to be referred to the Committee on the state of the Colony.

An Ordinance, "For raising an additional number of Forces for the defence and protection of this Colony, and for amending an Ordinance, entitled, 'An Ordinance for raising and embodying a sufficient Force for the defence and protection of this Colony,'" was read a second time, and referred to a Committee of the whole Convention.

Resolved, That this Convention will to-morrow resolve itself into a Committee on the said Ordinance.

Ordered, That Mr. Whiting be added to the Committee to whom the Petition of sundry Freeholders of the County of York was referred.

Ordered, That the Resolution appointing Joseph Cabell, Thomas Randolph, and Jerman Baker, gentlemen, Commissioners, to receive for, and pay to, the several Claimants in the Southern District, for services in the late expedition against the Indians, whatever may be due to them from the publick, and not called for at the Treasury, and Francis Peyton, George Rootes, and Joseph Neavill, gentlemen, for the like purpose, in the Northern District, be rescinded.

A Petition of the Inhabitants of the County of Frederick, and others residing to the westward of the Blue Ridge of mountains, was presented to the Convention, and read; setting forth, that being deeply interested, as well in the calamities of the late Indian War, as in the transactions and business consequent thereupon, they cheerfully contributed their assistance, by supplying wagons, horses, arms, and provisions, for the publick use; that the Commissioners appointed by the late Convention, to settle and adjust the expenses of the said expedition, being utterly unacquainted with the customs and manners of the inhabitants, and with the prices at which livestock, flour, meat, and other articles wanting to an army are usually sold, and also with the expense of wagonage, packing, and other modes of conveyance over that rugged and mountainous country, have, in the settlement of the accounts of the petitioners and their brethren, committed many errors and mistakes, to their very great prejudice; and praying that the Convention will take the same into consideration, and grant them such relief as shall seem just.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Rev. Mr. Thruston, Mr. Rutherford, Mr. Drew, Rev. Mr. Muhlenburg, Mr. Clarke, Mr. Rootes, Mr. Mercer, Mr. Neavill, Mr. Field, Mr. Henry Pendleton, Mr. Barbour, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Thomas Walker, Mr. John Walker, Mr. Edmondson, Mr. Selden, Mr. Carter of Lancaster, Mr. Kenner, Mr. Dandridge, Mr. Brooke, Mr. Jones, Mr. Fitzhugh, and Mr. Page; and they are to report the same, together with their opinion thereupon, to the Convention.

The President laid before the Convention a Letter from Col. Howe, and also a letter from Col. Woodford; which were read, and ordered to lie on the table.

A Petition of Sampson and George Matthews, and also a Petition of William Ingles, were presented to the Convention, and read, setting forth, that some time in the month of July, 1774, they were requested by Col. Andrew Lewis to undertake the business of Commissary-General to the Army, about to be raised by orders from the Governour, for an expedition against the Indians, which request they complied with, and in the course of that business procured for the Army provisions, ammunition, tents, packhorses, drivers for the horses, and almost every other necessary for their accommodation; and for that purpose had expended considerable sums of their Money; for all which they have passed their bonds, which they have paid, or are still to pay, with interest; that they presume they have, by their prudent management, saved a considerable sum to the country, and praying that the Convention will take their case into their consideration, and allow them such a sum of money for their trouble and expenses as shall appear just and reasonable.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to Mr. Cary, Mr. William Cabell, Mr. Thomas Lewis, Mr. Harvie, Mr. Thomas Walker, Mr. Joseph Cabell, and Mr. M'Dowell; and they are to report the same, together with their opinion thereupon, to the Convention.

The Order of the Day, for the Convention to resolve itself into a Committee on the state of the Colony, being read,

Resolved, That this Convention will to-morrow resolve itself into the said Committee.

Adjourned till to-morrow, half after ten o'clock.

Friday, December 22, 1775.

Ordered, That the Committee to whom the Letter and Resolution of the Committee for the County of Isle-of-Wight was referred, be empowered to summon such witnesses as they shall think necessary for their information.

A Petition of Cary Mitchell was presented to the Convention, and read; setting forth, that he understands many reports have prevailed to his prejudice, and that he hath been considered as unfriendly to his country; that he is at a loss to discover what actions of his life could give just grounds for such reports; that he wishes for nothing more than that a full and impartial inquiry may be made into his conduct, upon which he doubts not but he shall be able to clear himself of every suspicion.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Committee to whom the Petition of Doctor Archibald Camp-