Then it was that,bursting the manacles of a foreign tyranny,she,in the same moment imposed on herself the salutary restraints of law and order.In that moment she commenced the work of forming a government,complete within itself;and having perfected that work,she,on the 29th of June in the same year,performed the highest function of independent sovereignty,by adopting,ordaining,and establishing the Constitution under which all of us were born.Then it was that,sufficient to herself for all the purposes of government,she prescribed the oath of fealty and allegiance to her solo and separate sovereignty,which all of us,who have held any office under her authority,have solemnly called upon the Searcher of Hearts to witness and record.In that hour,gentlemen,it could not be certainly known,that the other colonies would take the same decisive step.It was indeed,expected.In the same breath in which she had declared her own independence,Virginia had advised it.She had instructed her delegates in the General Congress to urge it;and it was by the voice of one of her sons,whose name will ever proudly live in her history,that the word of power was spoken,at which the chain that bound the colonies to the parent kingdom fell asunder,as flax that severs at the touch of fire.But even then,and while the terms of the general Declaration of Independence were yet unsettled,hers had already gone forth.The voice of her defiance was already ringing in the tyrant's ears;hers was the cry that summoned him to the strife;hers was the shout that invited his vengeance:'Me!me!
Adsum qui feci;in me,converlite ferrum.'"
This beautiful address,abounding in patriotic sentiments,and sound political doctrines,clothed in the richest language,ought to be in the hands of every citizen,particularly of those of Virginia.The following extract from the Journals of the Convention,containing the history of this interesting event;cannot fail to be acceptable to every American reader:"Wednesday,May 11th ,1770.
"The convention,then,According to the order of the day,resolved itself into a committee on the state of the colony;and,after some time spent therein,Mr.President resumed the chair,and Mr.Cary reported that the committee had,according to order,had under consideration the state of the colony;and had come to the following resolutions thereupon;
which he had read in his place,and afterwards delivered at the clerk's table,where the same were again twice read,and unanimously agreed to,one hundred and twelve members being present.
"For as much as all the endeavors 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 and vindictive administration,increased insult,oppression,and a vigorous attempt to effect our total destruction.By a late act,all the 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 plunder and murder 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 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 overbearing 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 all Hearts for sincerity of former declarations,expressing our desire to preserve our 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 that 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 such manner as to them may 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.
And a committee was appointed of the following gentleman:
